Research Associate (Dietitian) Population Health Science Institute

Job Description

Research Associate (Dietitian) Population Health Science Institute

The Role

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

Key Accountabilities

Working closely with the study research administrator and with support from senior colleagues:

• Work autonomously and flexibly to provide expert dietetic advice & support for primary care practices & staff delivering an established weight maintenance programme, with appropriate regard for demand on Primary Care (DiRECT).
• Support research participants to undertake a very low calorie diet protocol for staged weight loss, with close supervision of weight change and other clinical parameters throughout, in order to meet defined study objectives and ensure participant safety (ReTUNE).
• Conduct and manage elements of research as appropriate.
• Collaborate with all key members of relevant research teams to deliver study protocols, addressing day to day management issues and seeking advice and support when required.
• Carry out research data management including accurate collection and precise recording of outcome data at specified timepoints.
• Maintain adequate written records and statistics of all assessments and interventions in line with local and national standards, ensuring that all records are stored securely.
• Attend Trial Management Group meetings and other events as appropriate.
• Contribute to the preparation of research papers for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at appropriate scientific and professional meetings.
• Identify and undertake a programme of professional development, including further training in research methods and other transferable skills.
• Contribute to activities associated with the running and administration of the Institute, or perform other duties, as required by the Institute Director.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

•  Significant clinical experience including within the field of weight management and/or diabetes.
• Ability to understand research objectives, including the effective planning of research tasks.
• Ability to carry out research project work within agreed timelines, meeting project milestones and producing research to an appropriate standard.
• Ability to prioritise key tasks and manage conflicting priorities.
• Skills in patient-centred care, engendering and enhancing patient motivation to make and maintain positive dietary changes.
• IT literate to include Microsoft Office suite and dietary analysis packages.
• Knowledge of GDPR regulations and Information Governance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to co- write (with senior colleagues) research papers to an appropriate standard.

Desirable

• Up to date knowledge of the evidence-base and guidelines relating to diabetes care and relevant dietetic approaches.
• Experience of working in primary care.
• Experience of training or teaching.
• Clinical experience of very low calorie diet interventions.
• Experience of research-focussed practice in career to date
• Experience of public speaking.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills, with experience of multidisciplinary team working.
• Ability to work flexibly and co-operatively with others, but also to work independently.
• Ability to work under direction and practice within the boundaries of the role.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for business purposes.

Desirable

• Ability for independent thought to generate solutions to problems.

Qualifications

• First degree in Dietetics or related discipline with Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics.
• Registered Dietitian (Registered with HCPC).
• PhD in relevant subject area or equivalent in professional qualifications/experience.