Research Assistant/Associate in Nutritional and Cancer Epidemiology

Company description:

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

Job description:

Salary: Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608 per annum, pro rata

            Research Associate: £36,636 to £46,049 per annum, pro rata

The Role

We are excited to offer a new opportunity for a Research Assistant / Associate in Nutritional and Cancer Epidemiology within Newcastle University's Population Health Sciences Institute. Appointment level will reflect the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. You will join colleagues in the Human Nutrition and Exercise Research Centre and the REACH (Researching Equity, Access and Cancer Health outcomes) team, working with Dr Yashvee Dunneram, Professor Linda Sharp and multidisciplinary collaborators.

Funded by Bowel Research UK, the project will examine whether adherence to the UK Eatwell Guide is associated with colorectal polyp prevalence, colorectal cancer incidence and survival. Analyses using COLO-COHORT and UK Biobank will also explore pathways involving adiposity, inflammation and metabolic biomarkers, generating evidence relevant to colorectal cancer prevention and survivorship.

You will prepare complex dietary and health data, construct Eatwell Guide adherence scores, undertake reproducible analyses and contribute to interpretation and dissemination. Applicants should have:

1. experience of analysing health data in Stata or R,
2. knowledge of regression and survival methods, and
3. experience of nutritional epidemiology or dietary assessment.

The post is fixed-term for up to nine months and is expected to be available from 2 November 2026. Part-time or flexible working will be considered where compatible with the funding period. Blended working may be possible, but the campus-based role cannot be undertaken entirely remotely. Researcher­ development support includes mentoring, planning discussions, career­ development funding and peer review.

You will report to Dr Yashvee Dunneram; for an informal discussion, contact Yashvee.Dunneram@newcastle.ac.uk. Apply with a CV and cover letter (via the 'Apply' button above) giving specific examples against the three project-specific essential criteria. Interviews are expected late September to early October. We can provide adjustments to make the process accessible.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf. These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/
Find out more about the Population Health Sciences Institute: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/population- health/

Duration of post: fixed term for up to nine months (project end date 01 November 2027); anticipated start 2 November 2026.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team
• Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity

Qualifications
Essential

• For appointment at Research Associate level, a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, nutrition or a related field with a strong quantitative component is required. For appointment at Research Assistant level, a Master's degree in an appropriate field with a strong quantitative component is required

Desirable

• Working towards a relevant PhD (Research Assistant appointment only)