Research Associate - Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences - 107380 - Grade 6 in Birmingham

Applications are invited for an 80% Research Associate position (start date September 1st 2026) to work at the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham. The contract duration is 3 years.

The successful candidate will join a research project funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, aimed at understanding how to optimize brain vascular health in older adults. This will be done under direct supervision of Prof. Sam Lucas and Prof. Katrien Segaert (co-PIs), and Dr Jack Feron (postdoctoral research fellow).

The candidate will be responsible for:

• Data collection of questionnaire data and performing 12-lead ECG screening tests, exercise stress testing, physical function tests and cognitive testing in an older adult population (over 65 years).
• Administration of a supervised exercise intervention program run out of the Centre for Movement and Wellbeing, including coordinating and supervising exercise sessions with participants throughout a 12-month intervention period.
• Collecting data to support appropriate exercise prescription (e.g. heart rate and blood lactate measures).
• Supporting other aspects of the wider project where necessary, such as data-collection of neuroimaging data (MRI), recruitment of participants, general administrative tasks (e.g. data management, organising and running PPIE events, communications with stakeholder Age UK Birmingham), and contributing to high quality academic publications.
• Engaging in public engagement activities.

The candidate will be an active member of the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Psychology, as well as the Centre for Movement and Wellbeing and Centre for Human Brain Health at the University of Birmingham.

To apply, please upload a cover letter and CV. We expect to interview shortlisted candidates online (expected in July 2026).

Role Summary

• Work within specified research project.
• Data-collection and administration of exercise intervention.
• Contribute to publications.

Main Duties

• Collect research data; e.g. 12-lead ECG, exercise stress-testing, physical function tests, as well as questionnaire data and cognitive testing.
• Coordinate and supervise exercise sessions as part of a 12-month exercise intervention.
• Analyse research data as directed.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• 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.
• Participate and contribute to public engagement events.
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• An MSc degree in the area of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences / Clinical Exercise Physiology or related area.
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, preferably with CEP-UK accreditation or equivalent.
• Experience with or interest in research and testing of older adults.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to public engagement activities.
• 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.

Informal enquiries to Sam Lucas, email: s.j.e.lucas@bham.ac.uk.

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.