Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Research Dietician

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Looking for a rewarding role as a Research Specialist Dietitian at Musgrove Park Hospital?

The post holder will provide expert knowledge, skill, and experience in the specialist field of obesity and bariatric surgery, and act as an expert resource to advise and support those involved in clinical trials at all levels. Offering general dietetic advice to staff to support research delivery teams as needed. The post-holder will be able to autonomously plan, implement, organise, and manage concurrent research projects. S/he will develop networks with other disciplines across the Trust and other appropriate local and national agencies. They will coordinate and manage the study portfolio and recruitment accrual in line with performance and monitoring metrics.

As a Research Specialist Dietitian in Obesity and Bariatric Surgery they will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the clinical requirements associated with research to ensure optimum delivery of clinical trials. They will therefore be required to adopt a highly visible clinical profile and accessible approach towards both research participants and staff. They will ensure that research will be conducted in accordance with the Research Governance Framework and Good Clinical Practice guidelines to provide assurance that the rights, safety, and well-being of trial participants are protected.

Main duties of the job

What are we looking for?

Ideally, you'll have varied post-graduate experience, covering a range of specialties (this would be normally be equivalent to 2 or more years' experience) with a specialist interest in the field of weight management and bariatric surgery complemented with extensive experience of clinical research. Advanced communication skills and strong MDT working experience are essential. Training and support will be available.

You need to be registered as a Dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council and ideally have current NHS experience.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

  • Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
  • NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
  • Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
  • A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-PU-2735

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for further information about the role and the personal requirements and specification

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached job description for further information about the role and the personal requirements and specification

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • HCPC registered dietitian
  • Registered Dietitian
  • BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Degree or equivalent.
  • Registered as a dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council.
  • Research Training (e.g. GCP, degree module, informed consent)
  • Specialist training in Obesity management or equivalent experience.

Desirable

  • Post graduate or Master level qualification in specialist clinical area, clinical research or willing to work towards.

Experience

Essential

  • Varied Post registration experience.
  • Extensive experience of clinical research and nutrition and dietetics within the NHS setting
  • Recent clinical experience of patients living with obesity.
  • Line management experience within the NHS.
  • Experience of delivering non- commercial and/or commercial research
  • Varied post registration experience in clinical dietetics in other specialties
  • Experience of using behaviour change strategies.
  • Experience of providing psycho social support
  • Experience teaching groups/individuals.

Desirable

  • NHS acute hospital experience.
  • Proven record of meeting participant recruitment targets

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Evidence of advanced communication skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Evidence of emerging leadership skills
  • Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
  • High level of interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal
  • Commitment to openness, honesty and integrity in undertaking the role.
  • Negotiation and behaviour change skills.
  • Ability to work as part of a team/leading a team and promote positive collaborative relationships
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • HCPC registered dietitian
  • Registered Dietitian
  • BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics Degree or equivalent.
  • Registered as a dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council.
  • Research Training (e.g. GCP, degree module, informed consent)
  • Specialist training in Obesity management or equivalent experience.

Desirable

  • Post graduate or Master level qualification in specialist clinical area, clinical research or willing to work towards.

Experience

Essential

  • Varied Post registration experience.
  • Extensive experience of clinical research and nutrition and dietetics within the NHS setting
  • Recent clinical experience of patients living with obesity.
  • Line management experience within the NHS.
  • Experience of delivering non- commercial and/or commercial research
  • Varied post registration experience in clinical dietetics in other specialties
  • Experience of using behaviour change strategies.
  • Experience of providing psycho social support
  • Experience teaching groups/individuals.

Desirable

  • NHS acute hospital experience.
  • Proven record of meeting participant recruitment targets

Additional Criteria

Essential

  • Evidence of advanced communication skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Evidence of emerging leadership skills
  • Evidence of a good standard of Literacy / English language skills
  • High level of interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal
  • Commitment to openness, honesty and integrity in undertaking the role.
  • Negotiation and behaviour change skills.
  • Ability to work as part of a team/leading a team and promote positive collaborative relationships

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

Alison Potter

alison.potter@somersetft.nhs.uk

07768842703

Details

Date posted

08 July 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£46,148 to £52,809 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-PU-2735

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Supporting documents

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