Job vacancy: Senior Research Dietitian or Developmental Band 6 Research Dietitian, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester

Job summary

Main area: Diabetes Research
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract: Permanent: Band 6 developmental post or Band 7 post
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 358-8234516-COR

Employer: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Leicester General Hospital
Town: Leicester
Salary: £49,387 - £56,515 per annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 10/09/2026 23:59

Senior Research Dietitian or Developmental Band 6 Research Dietitian

NHS AfC: Band 7

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Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For appointment into either a Band 7 or development Band 6 role, the post holder will be a self-motivated, accessible, and responsive dietitian with UK HCPC registration and an active professional portfolio.

At Band 7, the post holder will have demonstrable experience of clinical practice and research delivery in populations with obesity, diabetes and associated long-term conditions. In support of senior researchers and management, and working closely with a friendly and experienced team of nurses, clinicians, clinical academics and administrative supporting teams, the post holder will take a lead role in the oversight and management of dietetic and nutrition research delivery across both academic and commercial research portfolios led by and/or conducted within the LDC. This will include studies involving the measurement of habitual diet and eating behaviour, and those containing various dietetic or nutritional interventions. In doing so, the post holder will work closely within the clinical research infrastructure located within the LDC, including the BRC Lifestyle Theme and CRDC. The post holder will oversee the provision of specialist dietetic and nutrition support and measurement to patients and/or their families and carers whilst taking part in research, contributing both directly and through the management, guidance and supervision of other research dietitians or nutritionists. They will also oversee the related research spaces, processes and procedures to ensure the safe, effective and efficient delivery of this activity, as well as contributing to the design/development of new study protocols and funding applications.

For appointment into a developmental Band 6 role, the post holder would be expected to have demonstrable experience of clinical practice or research delivery in populations with obesity, diabetes and associated long-terms conditions, and working knowledge of the other. They would also be expected to have at least some leadership experience (supervision essential, line management desirable). They would support research delivery in a Band 6 capacity, whilst working closely to with senior researchers and operational leads to contribute to the responsibilities of the role as outlined above and undertaking a personalised development plan to reach the required competencies for progression into the Band 7 role.

Person specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential criteria

Undergraduate degree or postgraduate degree in Dietetics
Active professional portfolio
Recognised professional registration to practice in the UK (i.e. HCPC)

Desirable criteria

Have or working towards a masters or higher degree

Experience

Essential criteria

Professional experience working within the field of long-term conditions including obesity and/or diabetes
Clinical dietetic practice experience (primary, secondary and/or specialist care)
Experience of establishing positive working relationships with other disciplines
Experience of working in an academic/research environment

Desirable criteria

Experience of working in specialist weight management services
Active member of national/international forums
Evidence of contribution to publication or other research outputs

Communication and Relationship Skills

Essential criteria

Excellent communications skills
Leadership and management skills
Able to negotiate and lead others
Able to work constructively in a multi-disciplinary team
Excellent presentation skills
Good written and verbal English skills

Additional Information

Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms.

Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.

UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.

UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check.

The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment.

The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.

COVID 19 Risk Assessment

Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer.

The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors.

If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.

Covid Vaccination Status

Covid-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid-19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.