Research Assistant /Research Associate

We are delighted to launch an exciting new opportunity for a Research Assistant / Research Associate in Novel Proteins for Animal Feeds and Nutrition to join us in the School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, United Kingdom.

Most chicken feed in the UK currently relies on imported soya as a source of protein, which is expensive, vulnerable to global disruptions and linked to deforestation and high carbon emissions. Newcastle University is a lead partner of an InnovateUK-DEFRA funded, multi-partner project exploring how UK-grown blue lupins can replace part of the soya used in broiler chicken diets.

We are seeking a driven and enthusiastic individual to join our team and contribute to this research, leading on the delivery, analysis and reporting of feed trials with broilers to ensure that blue lupin inclusion in diets maintains bird health, productivity and welfare.

Feed trials will be run within Newcastle University's state of the art Animal Science Facilities with the support of dedicated academic and technical staff involved in the project. The successful candidate will input into trial planning/preparation and subsequent daily maintenance activities and weekly assessments of ethically approved number of birds over pre-determined starter-grower-finisher cycles. Video recordings taken over the trial durations will be processed by the project RA to provide data on bird welfare/health/behaviour. The successful candidate will lead on assessments and data analysis/reporting, as well as the publication of trial outputs and the dissemination of results at project meetings, and more widely at conferences/events.

You will join an experienced team at Newcastle University, led by Dr Abdul Chaudhry as the Principal Investigator. They will join the Agriculture and Food Systems Group within the School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, also linking to the wider project consortium which includes key industry growers, suppliers and processors.

This post is 0.5 FTE fixed term until 30th September 2028.

Key Accountabilities — Research Assistant:
- Work as part of a research team to ensure robust data collection and data management, contributing to funded research on novel proteins for animal feed
- Contribute to an internationally visible research profile in applied animal science and nutrition, both independently and as a member of the Agriculture and Food Systems Group, under the clear guidance of academic and technical staff
- Develop and update standard operating procedures and protocols for data collection, processing and analysis from a range of data streams (e.g. direct measurements/observations, camera footage)
- Ensure that personal knowledge in relevant fields of study is kept up to date and work to deadlines and manage, with support, competing priorities
- Maintain academic standards and freedom and work in accordance with university policies (e.g. equal opportunities, health and safety policies)
- Undertake relevant training and development activities to develop capacity for taking on wider responsibilities where appropriate
- Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
- Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s)
- Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project
- Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project's dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books)
- Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate

In addition, for Research Associate:
- Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project
- Determine appropriate methodologies for research
- Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
- Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
- Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding

Knowledge, Skills and Experience — Research Assistant (Essential):
- Strong knowledge and experience in the design and delivery of scientific trials
- An understanding of animal behaviour, nutrition, health, welfare or livestock production systems
- Experience of working effectively to deadlines
- Delivery of presentations at conferences and experience writing academic publications independently and/or collaboratively
- Awareness of the ethical and health and safety requirements involved in research work
- Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy
- Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences
- Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results
- Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues
- Excellent IT skills in all major office applications
- The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems

Desirable:
- Evidenced knowledge of the poultry and/or animal feed sectors
- Experience of working effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team involving both commercial and academic partners
- Experience of working with animals, and especially poultry
- Experience of using digital tools and conducting meta-analysis and systematic reviews of literature
- A full UK driving licence (beneficial due to rural location of farm)

In addition for Research Associate:
- Awareness of the research environment
- High level of analytical and problem-solving capacity
- Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
- Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high-quality publications

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 — Research Assistant (Essential):
- Honours degree in Animal Science, Nutrition or Poultry Science
- Working towards PhD OR nearing completion of PhD in Animal Science, Nutrition or Poultry Science

Desirable:
- Any professional qualification(s) related to animal research/nutrition/husbandry that demonstrate competency to work with broiler chickens

In addition for Research Associate:
- PhD in Animal Science, Nutrition or Poultry Science

Benefits include a generous holiday package with the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes, and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives.