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

Full-time, fixed‑term contract up to November 2027. Closing date: 21 June 2026.

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.

Salary: Starting salary normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906. Grade: Grade 6.

Background: 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 per week; 100% FTE), with an estimated start date of 1 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 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: All successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance before appointment. The University is committed to safeguarding and promotes safe recruitment practice; therefore all associated pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

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