Research Assistant (Clinical Trials)

Role overview

The Institute of Metabolic Science at the University of Cambridge is hiring a Research Assistant to join Professor Sadaf Farooqi’s group. The post is part of a wider expansion of clinical research activity focused on obesity and metabolic disease.

The project is supported by a Wellcome Discovery Research Platform and aims to build a community-based recruitment initiative across East Anglia. Using a Mobile Phenotyping Unit — a specially adapted vehicle — the team will identify and enrol people with metabolic disease into a Metabolic Bioresource. Those participants may later be invited to take part in experimental medicine studies and clinical trials, including research involving new obesity treatments.

What you will do

You will work closely with clinicians, nurses, and other research coordinators to recruit participants from communities across the East of England, especially those who are less commonly involved in research. In addition to participant recruitment, you will help support a range of experimental medicine studies and trials involving obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.

The work will include studies that use dietary interventions, novel therapies, and digital tools.

Candidate profile

The team is looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable, and motivated to contribute to high-impact translational research. This role is especially suited to recent graduates with a BSc or MSc in Nutrition, Biomedical Science, or a related field, along with an understanding of clinical research and a strong interest in improving metabolic health outcomes.

Contract details

This is a fixed-term position funded in the first instance until 1 November 2027.

Checks and compliance

Before starting, the successful candidate will need to complete a basic criminal record disclosure, a health assessment, a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check, and a Research Passport application.

Application instructions

Applicants are asked to submit a CV and a covering letter through the online recruitment system. The covering letter should explain how you meet the role criteria and why you are interested in the post. Any extra documents not specifically requested will not be considered.

Applicants must also provide referee details, including email address and phone number, and one referee must be the most recent line manager. Please use reference RG50105 in the application and any related correspondence.

Equality and eligibility

The University supports equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The University also requires employees to be eligible to live and work in the UK.