Research Scientist (Food and Nutrition Data Scientist)

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 3 May 2026
LOCATION
Norwich
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£38,575 / year
CATEGORY
Data & Analytics
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Python Machine Learning Deep Learning Statistics Data Analysis Food Composition Data Database Management Text Mining

FULL DESCRIPTION

Research Scientist (Food and Nutrition Data Scientist)

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] is seeking a highly motivated individual to drive food data analytics within the Food Databanks National Capability at the [Employer hidden] (QI). This full-time, 27-month contract offers a salary of £31,625 - £38,575 per annum. The role involves predictive analytics, machine learning, and managing the eBASIS database. Located in Norwich, UK.

About Food Databanks National Capability

Food Databanks National Capability (FDNC) compiles and publishes data on the composition of foods eaten in the UK, underpinning research in food, nutrition and health. The FDNC team leads UK- and EU-funded projects including the EU-wide Food, Nutrition Security (FNS) Data Cloud (2019-2023). They work closely with QI research groups and Norwich Research Park partners.

The Role

The role involves two main activities:

  • Establishing predictive analytics through machine learning and deep learning using existing and novel data (food composition, intake data, food imagery, consumer behaviour, biological measurements, gut microbiome).
  • Managing and upgrading the bioactives database (eBASIS) to improve functionality and accessibility, exploring automation of data entry (e.g. text mining).

Central to this role is interacting with food and nutrition research communities, maintaining good relations, and being a champion of FDNC activities.

The Ideal Candidate

Suitable for a graduate in Data Science/Computational Science with a strong interest in nutrition, or Food Science/Biological Science graduate with strong computational biology experience. Requires a BSc in a relevant area, and a PhD or MSc with equivalent experience.

  • Strong communication skills
  • Experience in Python/C++ programming
  • Excellent knowledge of machine learning techniques (clustering, decision trees, neural networks, deep learning)
  • Strong skills in advanced statistics
  • Demonstrable application of machine learning algorithms for data analysis, preferably in food and nutrition

Additional Information

Salary on appointment will be within the range £31,625 to £38,575 per annum. This is a fulltime contract for 27 months with potential to extend. Further information and details of how to apply can be found here. Contact HR at [contact hidden] quoting reference 1003758. Informal enquiries to [contact hidden]. The [Employer hidden] is committed to equal opportunities and is a Disability Confident employer.

About the [Employer hidden]

The [Employer hidden] is a new interdisciplinary research institute focused on food and gut microbiota in health and disease. A partnership between [Employer hidden] Bioscience, the University of East Anglia, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, and BBSRC, it is based on the Norwich Research Park.

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