This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a definitive trial examining the effectiveness of oral nutritional supplement use in care homes.
About the role
We seek to appoint a part-time Research Assistant to join a multi-disciplinary research team working on the REFRESH (nutRition intervEntions For malnouRished oldEr adultS) trial. This is a four year NIHR funded randomised controlled trial examining oral nutritional supplements in care homes.
The trial is a multi-university collaboration led by Professor Mary Hickson and Professor Jane Murphy of Bournemouth University. It is supported by the PenCTU and includes collaborators from the University of Exeter (statistics, health economics and community geriatric expertise), University of Coventry (dietetic expertise), University of Southampton (geriatric expertise), as well as care home managers and public representatives.
Your main tasks will be to provide support to the REFRESH Research Co-ordinator, including managing purchasing of nutritional supplements, generation of regular trial newletters, managing training materials on moodle, literature and database searches, meeting organisation, and providing research and administrative support. You will work under the guidance of the Research Co-ordinator but will be responsible to Mary Hickson, one of the project leads.
This is a part-time position working 7.4 hours per week (1 day) (which can be done remotely) on a fixed-term basis until 31 December 2028 due to funding.
The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Mary Hickson: by email at
You will have:
* A degree or equivalent within the field of health
* Excellent communication skills
* Excellent organisational and IT skills
* Some research experience
* Be able to work both independently and as part of a team
* Ability to deliver to tight deadlines
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
You will join an established team who have been working on the preparation for this trial since Jan 2025. Your key colleagues will be the project coordinator, the clinical trials unit team, the fieldworkers who will collect trial data, and the project leads.
The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.
For more information on School of Health Professions please visit our dedicated webpage at
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Anticipated Interview Date: Week commenicing Monday 8 December 2025
Our Offer
Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.
When joining us, you will receive:
* Generous annual leave: 25* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
* Generous pension scheme
* Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Development opportunities
* Enhanced family leave
* Flexible working
* Retailer discounts
* On-site nursery
*Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our .