Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term) (MED280426)

The purpose of this role will be to undertake laboratory research and disseminate findings from a Medical Research Council (MRC) funded project entitled “Exercise prehabilitation in colorectal cancer: establishing mechanisms of adaptation to advance optimisation and stratification”. You will be expected to plan and conduct work using wet-lab approaches and methodologies and will be responsible for generating data for associated research publications and other forms of dissemination.

The majority of the analytic work will be stable-isotope tracer-based mass-spectrometry to assess changes in muscle protein metabolism in response to the prehabilitation intervention, although other molecular biology techniques (e.g., ELISA, RT-PCR, Western Blotting) will also be performed. There may also be need for you to assist with human physiology (e.g., imaging and exercise testing) aspects of the project from time-to-time.

You will join an established team, led by Prof Bethan Phillips, whose main areas of research interest include translational skeletal muscle physiology, exercise-for-health and surgical prehabilitation and Prof Ken Smith, Professor of Metabolic Mass Spectrometry. You will have the opportunity to use your initiative and creativity to develop research methods and extend your research portfolio.

The School of Medicine recognizes the importance of continuous professional development and therefore the importance of providing opportunities, structured support and encouragement to engage in professional development each year.

What we offer

· A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment

· A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each week

· Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.

· Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work

· We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities

· You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

Your working hours will be full time (36.25 hours per week). This is a fixed term contract for the duration of 12 months and will be based at The Royal Derby Hospital Medical School.

Please contact Beth Phillips email: beth.phillips@nottingham.ac.uk and Ken Smith email: Ken.Smith@nottingham.ac.uk if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Closing Date: 18 Mar 2026
Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)