The School of Life Course & Population Sciences is one of six Schools that make up the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King’s College London. The School unites over 400 experts in women and children’s health, nutritional sciences, population health and the molecular genetics of human disease. Our research links the causes of common health problems to life’s landmark stages, treating life, disease and healthcare as a continuum. We are interdisciplinary by nature and this innovative approach works: 91 per cent of our research submitted to the Subjects Allied to Medicine (Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences and Women’s Health cluster) for REF was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We use this expertise to teach the next generation of health professionals and research scientists. Based across King’s Denmark Hill, Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Waterloo campuses, our academic programme of teaching, research and clinical practice is embedded across five Departments. 

This collaborative seed project with City St George’s explores the feasibility of introducing insect-based protein as a sustainable alternative to red meat in institutional catering. Using a living laboratory approach, we will assess operational, behavioural, and nutritional aspects through pilot activities. Focus groups with King’s Food chefs will identify barriers and inform recipe development and training. A core menu item featuring insect protein will be tested with consumers, supported by an online study on marketing strategies. Launching in April 2026 at two campus outlets, uptake and feedback will be monitored. A steering group of academic and industry partners will guide delivery and future funding.

 

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support this multidisciplinary study. Responsibilities include assisting with protocol development for qualitative and quantitative research, leading participant recruitment, screening, and monitoring, and managing data collection, processing, storage, and analysis. You will ensure accurate data entry and record-keeping, contribute to research outputs, and collaborate with teams across King’s Food, King’s Business School, and external stakeholders. The role involves coordinating meetings, delivering presentations, and supporting regulatory approvals and study administration. This is an exciting opportunity to engage in impactful research and work closely with Principal Investigators and the Research Associate.

 

This is a part time post (17.5 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/07/2026.