Research Associate - School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences - 107517 - Grade 6 in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2027

Closing date: 21st June 2026

Background

To assist in the research project by carrying out project management, delivery of intervention (virtual, group-based arm-crank exercise classes), data collection and analyses from individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), and to create knowledge through providing research support for the project and the research groups.

Role Summary

The post holder will work 5 days per week for 17 months (37.5 hours/week; 100% FTE), with an estimated start date of 1st July, subject to right to work checks, DBS clearance, and permissions to access partner NHS sites. The post holder will play a central role in the successful delivery of research projects evaluating the feasibility and effects of a virtual, group-based arm-crank exercise programme for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). The role will involve project coordination, participant recruitment, qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, intervention delivery, and day-to-day management of study activities. The role requires someone who enjoys working closely with people, has an interest in exercise and physical activity, and is comfortable engaging with participants with neurological conditions in community, home, and online settings. The post holder will conduct research assessments remotely, in participants’ homes, and at NHS or community sites across the UK. They will be expected to be flexible to accommodate participants’ needs for attending the intervention sessions.

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• A degree or equivalent in physiotherapy, exercise science, rehabilitation, or a related health profession. A postgraduate degree in a health-related subject is desirable
• Practical experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection and analysis involving human participants and clinical populations
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Experience of acquiring behavioural data (fitness, questionnaires, focus groups) from human and clinical populations, delivering exercise interventions, and in analysis of the behavioural data with appropriate methods (e.g., statistics, qualitative data analysis)
• Background in physiotherapy or exercise specialists for adults with neurological conditions is particularly welcome
• DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries to Dr Shin-Yi (Chloe) Chiou, email: s.chiou@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.