Research Assistant (x2 Posts, Fixed-Term)

We are looking to recruit graduate research assistants to support a systematic review examining whether sweet‑taste liking is associated with adiposity in humans. The project will provide an up‑to‑date, comprehensive assessment of the evidence base contributing to understanding the development of obesity.

The successful candidate will contribute to:

• Conducting a systematic review of all human studies assessing sweet‑taste preferences and adiposity
• Preparing a peer‑reviewed publication for a leading nutrition journal
• Presenting findings at international conferences (e.g., FENS, SSIB)
• Supporting knowledge‑exchange activities with health professionals, policymakers, and industry
• Contributing to researcher‑training dissemination, including specialist meetings

This position is suited to applicants with training and/or experience in evidence synthesis, nutrition or behavioural science, and an interest in clarifying key assumptions in public‑health nutrition.

This position does not meet the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route within the UK Visa and Immigration service’sPoints Based System.  Therefore, BU will not be able to sponsor individuals who require permission to work to carry out this position. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job. 

Our vibrant Faculty of Media, Science & Technology encompasses a wide range of disciplines across four Schools: the School of Computing & Engineering, the National Centre for Computer Animation, The Media School and the School of Psychology. The breadth of subject areas in the Faculty means our cutting-edge research is delivering real benefits to digital creative industries, simulation domains, cyber security, human centred artificial intelligence, cognitive science and many others. Our staff base includes high profile researchers who are involved in both UK and global consortia of externally funded collaborations, furthering knowledge in the aforementioned areas plus many more, thus providing significant impact to the economy as well as society and, ultimately, the quality of living across the globe.

Bournemouth University’s vision is worldwide recognition as a leading university for inspiring learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society through the fusion of education, research and practice. Our highly skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the globe, who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences that help to build our global learning community.

BU values and is committed to an inclusive working environment.  We seek a diverse community through attracting, developing and retaining staff from different backgrounds to contribute to inspirational learning, advancing knowledge and enriching society.  To support and enable our staff to achieve a balance between work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.  

More than just a job!  Working for BU provides you with access to a fantastic range of benefits.

Core Package:

You will also have access to a wide range of voluntary benefits:

• Health & Wellbeing: Employee assistance programme, dental care scheme, health cash plan
• Financial & Discounts: Discounts including a reduction of fees for family members who study at BU
• Travel: Cycle to work scheme, secure bike stores, showers and lockers, free bus travel between campuses, discounted bus travel
• Sports & Activities: Sport BU has a wide range of activities which staff can access
• Family: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, on-site nursery with discounts for BU staff
• Modern, vibrant campus locations: Bright and flexible work and meeting spaces, with on-site food outlets and coffee shops

A job description for this position is available at the top of this page. If you require this in a different format, please contact us at [email protected].