This article discusses how the COVID lockdowns had an effect on all of our gut microbiomes, as we spent significantly less time exploring the outdoors and socialising. According to several recent studies, this extends to newborn babies, with those being born during the pandemic having a less diverse gut microbiome.
 
The next step for researchers is to investigate the long-term effects of these microbial differences on infant development. Whilst current studies are small-scale, the hope to broaden the sample size, so they can best understand the impact of the pandemic on children.

This is an interesting article on the effects of gut bacteria on depression in premenopausal women.

Klebsiella aerogenes has been found to degrade oestradiol and is more prevalent in the guts of premenopausal women with depression.

Our taste buds have long been understood to recognise sweet, sour, bitter, savoury-umami and salty, but there has always been a mystery understanding why the perfect amount of salt make food delectable, whereas an excessive amount is immediately noticeable and unpalatable.
 
This article explores how only recently have scientists discovered that there are actually two salt receptors to help us balance the importance of sodium in muscle and nerve function, but also anticipate the risks sodium can pose at higher levels. This "excessive salt" receptor still remains elusive, but scientists believe that once understood, it can help us develop better salt alternatives without the issues that too much salt can cause.

This interesting article looks at how fungi thrive within a specific temperature range that doesn't align with the high internal body temperatures of mammals and how as climate change warms the planet, fungi are finding new habitats and new opportunities to adapt.

Understanding and addressing this fungal crisis is of newfound importance for researchers, as climate change continues to reshape the world's disease landscape.

Senior Nutrition Scientist:

Description:

The British Nutrition Foundation exists to give people, educators, and organisations access to reliable information on nutrition. Grounded in science, working with  experts, we support people on their journey towards a healthy, sustainable diet. Our vision is that everyone can access healthy, sustainable diets, and we contribute to this by translating evidence-based nutrition science in engaging and actionable ways.

The Member Engagement Team is critical to the delivery of our influence on the food environment and the furtherance of the British Nutrition Foundation’s charitable objectives.

We are seeking an experienced Registered Nutritionist or Dietitian with experience of applying nutrition science to real world challenges in the food industry. You’ll share our passion for the application of research to real world solutions and have an excellent understanding of current issues in the UK food industry. 

The purpose of this role is to help change the food environment and work with BNF members to deliver a programme of work designed to do this. 

Specific accountabilities:

• Lead on and deliver project and consultancy work for BNF corporate members, such as providing strategic critique, advising on scientific and regulatory issues, or creating content or training, to help positively change the food environment and facilitate healthier, more sustainable food choices.
• Deliver projects to agreed deadlines and standards of quality. Attend member meetings as required to provide subject matter expertise.
• As needed, develop scientific thought pieces, resources, to grow our reputation with the food industry as a leading source of nutrition information in the UK and internationally.
• Present the work of the Foundation and/or provide overviews of nutrition topics at conferences and events, including at member companies and industry events.
• Represent the Foundation at external meetings and on key industry bodies, as required, as a subject matter expert on nutrition science.
• Create timely and accurate scientific content for a variety of Corporate Member training resources and deliver training sessions/webinars as required.
• Seek opportunities to grow membership.
• Provide relevant scientific content for member communications and work closely with the engage in retention activities and events.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of issues in nutrition science and food policy, engaging in an active CPD programme. 

Requirements:

Education and / or Experience 

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject (food science, nutrition, or dietetics).
• Experience of applying nutrition science to real world challenges in the food industry.
• Registered Nutritionist or Dietitian. 

Essential Criteria 

• More than 3 years’ commercial experience.
• A passion for the application of research to real-world solutions.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with a strong commitment to customer engagement.
• Excellent understanding of current issues in the UK food industry.
• Strong project design and management skills. Track record of on-time, to budget project delivery.
• Excellent written, interpersonal and communication skills, including an ability to write for different audiences.
• Confident outlook. Resilient with an ability to manage change.
• Ability to assess priorities and manage competing deadlines both independently and as a member of 
  a wider team.
• The British Nutrition Foundation is a small organisation, a willingness to be hands-on is essential. 
   

Desirable (non-essential) Criteria 

• International experience.

Special features of the role 

• Occasional travel within the UK and out of hours working may be required when working with Corporate Members or representing the BNF externally.

To apply, please send your CV with a cover letter that sets out specific evidence of how you fit the Person Specification and what you would bring to this role, to recruit@beststarthr.com no later than 6 pm on Friday 3rd November 2023.

If you are a student and apply for these Job Opportunities then please make sure the work involved enables you to keep within CNELM Policy and BANT Student Membership requirements.