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"Research Assistant/Associate, Food System Change (Fixed Term)"

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Research Assistant/Associate, Food System Change (Fixed Term)

Research Assistant (Grade 5) / Research Associate (Grade 7)

2026-03-12

Location

Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Type

Fixed-term (12 months, until 31 March 2027)

Salary

£33,002 - £46,049

Required Qualifications

PhD (for Associate level)
Quantitative or qualitative research
Evidence synthesis
Systems thinking
Food systems or policy interest

Research Areas

Food system change
Dietary public health
Population health intervention
Evidence synthesis for policy
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Research Assistant/Associate, Food System Change (Fixed Term)

Salary: £33,002 - £46,049

  1. Research Assistant/Associate, food system change (quantitative research and evidence synthesis) (Post 1, 12 months)
  2. Research Assistant/Associate, food system change (qualitative research and evidence synthesis) (Post 2, 12 months)
  3. Research Assistant/Associate, food systems change (evidence synthesis for policy, mixed methods) (Post 3, 12 months)

We seek three researchers to join the Dietary Public Health Group to work on projects generating evidence on food system change. The posts represent excellent opportunities to work in an internationally renowned centre for population health intervention research and offer outstanding opportunities for career development.

Applicants will have an excellent track record and ideally have a research interest in food systems or food policy, with understanding of systems thinking, evidence synthesis and qualitative or quantitative research. The posts will be based in IMS Epidemiology in the Institute of Metabolic Sciences at the University of Cambridge. However, the research is likely to involve analysis and synthesis of research undertaken nationally or in other specific parts of the UK, and post holders may be required to travel elsewhere in the UK regularly to undertake fieldwork and participate in research and other meetings.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how they meet the criteria for the post when they apply.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Appointment at Research Associate (Grade 7) level is dependent on having a PhD and on prior experience. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award. Those applying without a PhD will be appointed on the Research Assistant (grade 5) scale between Point 36 and Point 39, depending on experience.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 12th March 2026

Interview date: 27th March 2026

Please quote reference SJ48915 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location
MRC Epidemiology Unit
Salary
£33,002 - £46,049
Reference
SJ48915
Category
Research
Date published
23 February 2026
Closing date
12 March 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for Research Assistant/Associate in Food System Change?

Applicants need an excellent track record in quantitative research, qualitative research, or mixed methods, with skills in evidence synthesis and systems thinking. A PhD is required for Research Associate (Grade 7); without it, appointment is at Research Assistant (Grade 5). Ideal candidates have interest in food systems or food policy. See research assistant jobs for similar roles or postdoc success tips.

💰What is the salary and employment details for these posts?

Salary range is £33,002 - £46,049. Research Assistant starts at Point 36-39 (Grade 5); Associate at Grade 7 with PhD. Fixed-term for 12 months, funds until 31 March 2027. Three posts: Post 1 (quantitative), Post 2 (qualitative), Post 3 (mixed methods). Explore faculty jobs for comparisons.

📝How do I apply for the Food System Change Research Assistant/Associate roles?

Click 'Apply' online, upload CV, covering letter outlining fit to criteria, and referee details (include current line manager). Quote reference SJ48915. Closing date: 12 March 2026; interviews 27 March 2026. Download Further Particulars PDFs for each post. Use our free resume template and cover letter template.

📜Is a PhD required, and what if I don't have one?

Appointment at Research Associate (Grade 7) requires a PhD and experience. Submitted PhD holders start as Research Assistant (Grade 5, £34,610), upgrading upon award. No PhD: Research Assistant scale Point 36-39 based on experience. Strong research track record essential for all. Check research assistant advice.

📍What is the location and any travel requirements?

Based at IMS Epidemiology, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. Expect regular UK travel for fieldwork, analysis, and meetings. University requires right to work in UK. View research jobs in the area.

🔬What research will these roles involve?

Join Dietary Public Health Group on food system change projects: evidence generation via quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods synthesis for policy. Internationally renowned centre offers career development in population health intervention research. Related: clinical research jobs.
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