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- Tasks: Conduct qualitative research with young elite athletes to amplify their voices in sports.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, a leader in sport, exercise, and health sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, combining campus and remote work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young athletes' rights and experiences in the Olympic movement.
- Qualifications: Research background in sport and children's rights; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Other info: Part-time role until August 2027, with a focus on dynamic working arrangements.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Part-time (0.1 FTE, 3.7 hrs per week); Fixed-term to 31st August 2027
We are looking for a Research Associate to work on our project, funded by International Olympic Committee (IOC). The project focuses on elite youth (under 18) athletes\’ voices, as one of the priority areas of the IOC, by putting young elite athletes at the centre of its research design and process. Conceptually, the project is based on children\’s rights of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the right to be heard under Article 12 of the Convention, a key general cross-cutting principle and participation right standard, is at the centre of the conceptualisation of \’voice\’ in the project. The project will utilises the Lundy model of child participation as its analytical framework to guide the project. Through these conceptual lenses, the project aims to critically investigate how existing engagement mechanisms by sport organisations not only providing spaces but also facilitating influence of young athlete voice in decision-making. The project involves a robust qualitative research design, incorporating semi-structured interviews, and focus groups as methods, to explore the nuanced perspectives and experiences of young elite athletes and the representatives of sport organisations concerning athlete voice in the Olympic movement. Overall, the project aims to advance young elite athlete voice to promote and lead to a more inclusive and athlete-centred sporting environments.
The ideal candidate will have a research and practice background in sport and children\’s rights; knowledge of the research with children; a capacity to work on their own initiative and in teams; and a capacity to work to deadlines.
This part-time post is offered on a fixed-term contract until 31st August 2027.
For more information on the role please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Serhat Yilmaz, Senior Lecturer in Sports Law, via email to s.yilmaz@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone to 01509 228163.
Closing Date: 24 August 2025
Loughborough University is committed to allowing its employees to work dynamically with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible. This has been identified as a role that could work dynamically and, if successful, your line manager will discuss these informal arrangements with you. Please note that there is a general expectation that the successful candidate will spend the majority of time working on the Loughborough campus. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Associate - Empowering Young Elite Athletes employer: Loughborough University
Contact Detail:
Loughborough University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - Empowering Young Elite Athletes
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Lundy model of child participation, as it’s a key analytical framework for this project. Understanding its principles will help you articulate how you can contribute to the research effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of sport and children's rights. Engaging with experts or attending relevant seminars can provide insights and connections that may enhance your application and demonstrate your commitment to the subject.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative research methods, particularly semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Being able to share specific examples of your past work will showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to Dr Serhat Yilmaz for an informal chat about the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives you a chance to ask questions that could help you tailor your approach when applying.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Empowering Young Elite Athletes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Project: Familiarise yourself with the project's focus on young elite athletes and the principles of the UNCRC. This understanding will help you tailor your application to demonstrate your alignment with the project's goals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any research experience related to sport and children's rights. Mention specific projects or roles that showcase your ability to work with young people and your understanding of their rights.
Demonstrate Research Skills: Clearly outline your qualitative research skills, particularly in conducting semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Provide examples of past research where you've successfully gathered and analysed data from participants.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your passion for empowering young athletes and your commitment to inclusive sporting environments. Make sure to address how your values align with the project's aims and the IOC's priorities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Understand the Project's Core Values
Familiarise yourself with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, especially Article 12. Being able to discuss how these values relate to the project will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences, particularly those involving qualitative methods like semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Highlight any relevant projects that demonstrate your ability to engage with young athletes and understand their perspectives.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Initiative
Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully worked both independently and as part of a team. This role requires collaboration, so showcasing your adaptability and initiative will be key.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the project and its goals. This not only shows your interest but also your critical thinking skills regarding the engagement of young elite athletes in decision-making processes.