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- Tasks: Join our team to research behaviour change interventions for physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
- Company: Be part of the prestigious Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group at the University of Leicester.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Exciting expansion with new roles and funding to enhance research capabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on health while working with diverse populations and innovative research methods.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in a relevant field; experience in research and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33900 - 46000 £ per year.
About the role
We are looking for a motivated and talented Research Associate to join the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group (LLHRG) and contribute to our innovative programme of research focused on behaviour change interventions targeting sedentary behaviour and physical activity.
Our multidisciplinary team within the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC) develops and evaluates evidence-based interventions designed to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary time across a variety of populations and settings. Current projects include work with office workers, young people, lorry drivers, and adults at risk of or living with long-term conditions. Increasingly, our interventions are being digitally delivered, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions to support sustainable behaviour change.
We are now expanding our research to reach additional groups who spend large portions of their day sitting and are typically less active—such as university students, older adults, and construction plant operators. We are also looking to apply novel study designs to evaluate our interventions such as micro randomization trials, factorial randomized controlled trials, and sequential multiple assignment randomization trials. This post will support this work.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, behavioural science, and implementation science, and to contribute to a research programme with real-world impact. We welcome applicants with quantitative and/or qualitative research experience.
About the LLHRG
The LLHRG are part of the Diabetes Research Centre (DRC), University of Leicester, the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC), and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, with a diverse research portfolio in the area of 24-hour lifestyle behaviours, including physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep and nutrition in the prevention and management of obesity and long-term conditions, such type 2 diabetes, in multi-ethnic populations.
LLHRG are one of the most prestigious Lifestyle as Medicine research groups in the UK, ranking second overall in the Sport and Exercise Sciences unit of assessment (UoA24) within Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, and first for output quality (out of 61 institutions nationally; Research Excellence Framework 2021 results | University of Leicester).
This success has led to £14 million in new funding from Research England’s Expanding Excellence in England scheme which will enable LLHRG to expand. This includes 20 new staff members across academic, teaching, research, community engagement and administrative positions, in addition to 12 new PhD students. This expanding team will be supported by new office and research spaces within the Leicester General Hospital.
About you
As a Grade 7 Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have a PhD (or be very near completion) in a relevant discipline alongside evidence of contributing independently to experimental or translational research studies and peer-reviewed journal publications, with potential to produce research outputs that are internationally recognised and aspiring to be world class in time for the next REF cycle (2029). You will have strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
£39,906 to £46,049 per annum, pro-rata if part-time: Grade 7
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Research Associate in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Interventions employer: Professor Doctor Obi
Contact Detail:
Professor Doctor Obi Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Interventions
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Understanding current trends and methodologies will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group or similar organisations. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with researchers and gain insights into their work, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially any projects related to behaviour change interventions. Be ready to explain your role, the outcomes, and how they relate to the work being done at LLHRG.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by discussing specific tools or software you are proficient in that are relevant to data analysis in health research. This will highlight your capability to contribute effectively to the team’s projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Interventions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in physical activity and sedentary behaviour research. Include specific projects you've worked on, methodologies used, and any publications that showcase your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for behaviour change interventions and how your background aligns with the goals of the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group. Mention any experience with digital intervention delivery or working with diverse populations.
Highlight Research Skills: Clearly outline your quantitative and/or qualitative research skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles, particularly in experimental or translational research studies.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Demonstrate your written and oral communication skills by ensuring your application is well-structured and free of errors. If you have experience presenting research findings, mention this to highlight your ability to communicate complex information effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Professor Doctor Obi
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail. Highlight any quantitative or qualitative methods you've used, and be ready to explain how your work aligns with the goals of the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Behaviour Change
Familiarise yourself with behaviour change theories and interventions, especially those related to physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these concepts in real-world settings.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about specific research methodologies, such as micro randomization trials or factorial randomised controlled trials. Brush up on these techniques and be ready to discuss their advantages and challenges.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points and ensure you convey your enthusiasm for the position.