Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Research Associate

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so, and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. If you are unable to complete your application via our recruitment system or would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments, please contact e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.

Job Description

Department: Sport & Exercise Science

Position: Fixed Term – Part Time Contract Duration: 8 months

Working Arrangements: 9am – 5pm (hybrid)

Closing Date: 27-Jan‑2026, 11:59 PM

Key Responsibilities (Common to both Roles)

• Deal with problems that may affect research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• Liaise with research colleagues and develop internal and external contacts to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• Assist in supporting student projects on the use of research methods and equipment.
• Contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment that statutes inclusivity and fairness.
• Engage in wider citizenship activities to support the department and wider discipline.
• Engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.

RA Position (Grade 6)

• Extract relevant health data from existing medical records.
• Understand and convey information which requires careful explanation to the team or group through presentations, discussions and meetings that contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• Write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to supervising bodies in a clear and accurate manner.
• Analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives.
• Contribute to the planning of research projects.

PDRA Position (Grade 7)

• Understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team through presentations and discussions that lead to research papers presented at conferences and publications.
• Prepare and deliver presentations and reports on research outputs/activities including best practice recommendations to audiences such as sponsors and academic/non‑academic audiences.
• Contribute to the publication of high‑quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer‑reviewed journals and presentations at conferences and workshops in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• Assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• Conduct mixed‑methods research under the Principal Investigator (quantitative and qualitative measures such as data collection, management and analysis).
• Work with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and other colleagues to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• Plan and manage own research activity and research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• Deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• Be involved in student supervision and assist with the assessment of students’ knowledge.
• Extract relevant health data from existing medical records.
• Liaise with research colleagues and develop internal and external contacts for future collaboration.

Person Specification – RA Position (Grade 6)

Qualifications

• A good first degree, preferably from a relevant subject such as sport and exercise sciences or other health‑related degrees.
• A Master’s degree, preferably in a relevant subject such as sport and exercise sciences or other health‑related degrees.

Experience

• Experience in conducting high‑quality academic research.
• Experience in conducting quantitative research (data collection, analysis and write‑up).
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly‑ranked journals.
• Experience of working with cancer or other clinical populations, and/or health or related disciplines.
• Experience in conducting qualitative research (data collection, analysis and write‑up).
• Experience in producing well‑written reports for stakeholders.
• Interest in exercise and/or physical activity for health.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Ability to work independently on own initiative and strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and manage stakeholder relations.
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various locations across County Durham and the North East.

Person Specification – PDRA Position (Grade 7)

Qualifications

• A good first degree, preferably from a relevant subject such as sport and exercise sciences or other health‑related degrees.
• A PhD, preferable from a relevant subject such as sport and exercise sciences or other health‑related degrees.

Experience

• Experience in conducting quantitative research (data collection, analysis and write‑up).
• Experience in conducting qualitative research (data collection, analysis and write‑up).
• Experience of working with cancer or other clinical populations, and/or health or related organisations.
• Experience in producing well‑written reports for a range of stakeholders.

Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team and manage relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to manage time effectively, capacity to work independently and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to travel to a variety of locations across County Durham and the North East.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience of working with cancer or other clinical populations, and/or health or related organisations.
• Experience of working in emotive environments, including ability to demonstrate empathy.
• Interest in exercise and/or physical activity for health.

Working at Durham

• 30 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days – 42 days per year pro rata.
• A generous pension scheme – automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• Travel benefits: ample parking, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounts with local bus and train companies, lease of electric or hybrid vehicle with tax and National Insurance savings.
• Professional development: range of courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and career development routes.
• Health and wellbeing support – discounted membership for state‑of‑the‑art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24‑7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Family‑friendly policies – outstanding nursery, access to holiday camps for children aged 5–16, generous maternity and adoption leave.
• Volunteer opportunities and exclusive discounts via the benefits portal.

Contact Information

Academic‑related enquiries: enjoy e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk.

Technical difficulties with application submission: email e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk with your name and a brief description of the problem. Alternatively, call 0191 334 6801 (UK) or +44 191 334 6801 (outside UK) between 09:00–17:00 Monday‑Friday. We normally respond within one working day.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence all essential criteria in the person specification. Evidence for desirable criteria can also be accepted at the panel’s discretion. Applications are preferred online. We will update you on your application via automated emails from our e‑recruitment system.

Person Specification – Summary

RA and PDRA positions have varying qualifications, experience, and skills as outlined above. Both roles require strong research experience (quantitative and/or qualitative), data management and analysis skills, excellent communication and teamwork, and a willingness to work within a hybrid environment. RA candidates should possess a good first degree (Masters preferred). PDRA candidates should hold a PhD. Both roles will contribute to the advancement of the prehabilitation project coordinated by Dr Katie Di Sebastiano.

Closing & Eligibility

This post is fixed term for 8 months due to available funding. Successful applicants will ideally start by 1 March 2025 and finish 31 October 2026. If you are interested, submit your CV and cover letter by the closing date.