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- Tasks: Join our team to research behaviour change interventions for physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
- Company: Be part of the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group at the University of Leicester.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, opportunity for remote work, and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
- Why this job: Make a real-world impact on health while collaborating with a diverse, innovative team.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in a relevant field; strong analytical and communication skills required.
- Other info: Exciting projects targeting various populations, including university students and office workers.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 46049 £ 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 across 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 the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, and first for output quality among 61 institutions nationally. 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 aspire 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.
Additional information
Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Prof Charlotte Edwardson at ce95@le.ac.uk
Applications for job share will be considered.
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.
The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.
We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Vacancy terms
Full-time, part-time (minimum 0.8FTE, 30 hours per week), or job share considered, fixed term contract for 24 months
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Research Associate in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Interventions employer: University of Leicester
Contact Detail:
University of Leicester 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 learn about their work, which can give you valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've applied these methods in your previous work, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to work within a multidisciplinary team. Think of examples where you've collaborated with others from different backgrounds, as this will highlight your adaptability and teamwork skills, which are essential for this position.
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 research, particularly in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Include any quantitative or qualitative research projects you've worked on, as well as publications that demonstrate your expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the research being conducted at the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group. Mention specific projects or methodologies that resonate with you and explain how your background aligns with their goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated within multidisciplinary teams in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a research position.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leicester
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the latest studies and interventions related to physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with the research goals of the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills during the interview. Provide specific examples from your previous work or research that demonstrate your ability to contribute independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions about your experience in both quantitative and qualitative research. Prepare to discuss how you've approached challenges in past projects, particularly those involving behaviour change interventions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the ongoing projects at LLHRG and the future direction of their research. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
