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- Tasks: Assist in groundbreaking research on knee pain and obesity, including participant recruitment and data management.
- Company: Pioneering institution offering a research-led education to 45,000 students globally.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in advanced imaging and metabolic science while contributing to impactful research.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours over 18 months, ideal for students seeking research experience.
- Why this job: Join a multidisciplinary team and make a real difference in musculoskeletal health.
- Qualifications: BSc in a health-related field; keen interest in research methodologies and human participants.
We are a pioneering institution that provides an exceptional research-led education for 45,000 students from over 150 countries.
Applications are invited for a motivated Research Assistant to join the School of Medicine and support an exciting study led by Dr Natalie Shur “Investigating Mechanisms of Knee Pain Improvement in Individuals with Obesity Undergoing Weight Loss: A Pilot Study on Radiological, Metabolic, and Intra-Articular Microenvironment Change”.
This project, funded by the BMA Foundation, Doris Hillier Grant, aims to investigate the mechanisms by which weight loss improves knee pain in individuals with obesity recently prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The study will investigate changes in knee pain and function longitudinally in patients undergoing weight loss, as well as knee cartilage thickness and strain using MRI, inflammatory biomarkers, and the synovial fluid microenvironment in a subgroup of individuals. It will utilise advanced imaging techniques, metabolic assessment, and proteomic analysis. By studying both biomechanical and metabolic processes, this research will provide new insights into the mechanisms driving pain relief and may inform future non-surgical treatment strategies for knee osteoarthritis.
About the role
The Research Assistant will play a central role in:
- Recruiting participants and running study visits including acquisition of imaging and assistance with biological sample collection.
- Managing data with accuracy and integrity.
- Contributing to advanced imaging analysis (MRI, MR Spectroscopy, musculoskeletal ultrasound).
- Supporting data analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings.
You will be working in a multidisciplinary environment with musculoskeletal clinicians and scientists based in the Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences (IRIS) and physicists working in the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre. The post will be of particular interest to people wishing to develop their experience in translational musculoskeletal research.
The role is offered on a part time basis over 18 months at 0.5FTE, however we will accept a higher FTE. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. This post is offered on a fixed term basis.
About You
We are looking for a candidate who is:
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Able to work effectively with human research participants.
- Interested in musculoskeletal health, obesity, imaging, and metabolic science.
- Keen to contribute to high-impact research with real clinical relevance.
You must have a BSc or equivalent experience in a relevant health related discipline (physiotherapy, sport and exercise science, clinical sciences, anatomy) and be experienced in a variety of quantitative research methodologies involving human participants. Additional desirable criteria include an MSc in a related subject e.g. Sport and Exercise Medicine or working towards PhD in relevant subject area.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday, 5th November.
If you have any questions about this role, please contact Dr Natalie Shur (natalie.shur@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.
Closing Date: 20 Oct 2025
Job details
Title: Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term) (MED233625)
Closing Date: 20 Oct 2025
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Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term) (MED233625) employer: Karlstad University
Contact Detail:
Karlstad University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term) (MED233625)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of musculoskeletal health and research. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet professionals, and don’t hesitate to ask for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the project and Dr Natalie Shur’s work. Familiarise yourself with the study's aims and methodologies. This shows genuine interest and helps us stand out as candidates who are not just looking for any job, but are passionate about this specific research.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to your experience with quantitative research methodologies. We want to convey our skills confidently, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows that you’re serious about joining our pioneering institution and contributing to impactful research. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term) (MED233625)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see your passion for musculoskeletal health and research, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or coursework!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. Remember, less is often more!
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your excitement for the role shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely interested in the research area. A few sentences about why this project matters to you can really make your application pop.
Follow Application Instructions: Don’t forget to apply through our website and follow all the instructions carefully. We want to make sure we receive your application without any hiccups, so double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karlstad University
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the study led by Dr Natalie Shur. Understand the key objectives, methodologies, and potential impacts of the research on knee pain and obesity. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with quantitative research methodologies and any relevant imaging techniques. Highlight specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are crucial for managing data accurately.
✨Engage with the Team
Since you'll be working in a multidisciplinary environment, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Mention any past experiences where you've successfully worked with diverse teams, especially in clinical or research settings, to show you're a team player.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready about the project, the team, or the institution. This shows your proactive attitude and genuine interest in contributing to high-impact research, which is exactly what they’re looking for.