Research Associate in Wearable Technology

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Leicester is seeking a motivated Research Associate to advance research on lifestyle behaviours impacting chronic health conditions. The role includes conducting data analysis, overseeing trials, and contributing to research funding applications. Ideal candidates will hold a PhD and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills. This full-time position offers a competitive salary, pension scheme, and ample opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience contributing independently to research studies.
• Evidence of peer-reviewed journal publications.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data processing and statistical analysis.
• Oversee device-measured lifestyle behaviour trials.
• Contribute to protocol design and funding applications.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving capabilities

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

About the role

The DiabetesResearch Centre and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre are looking to recruit a talented, motivated individual with expertise in using wearable technology to measure 24-hour lifestyle behaviours to join an established, successful research team and contribute to a programme of work investigating the role of lifestyle behaviours, alone or in combination with other clinical management strategies (e.g. pharmacotherapy, physical activity, bariatric/metabolic surgery) in promoting whole-body health in diverse populations with or at risk of chronic cardiometabolic conditions (e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes etc.).

The appointed individual will join the Leicester Lifestyle and Health Research Group, as part of the Lifestyle Theme of the prestigious NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). Working closely with senior academics, they will work across a variety of projects, many in a lead capacity, to advance their independent research career. This will include performing data processing and statistical analysis, drafting outputs for dissemination, and contributing to protocol design and funding applications for future research.

They will also work across our portfolio of trials, taking a lead in overseeing those involving device-measured 24-hour lifestyle behaviours (e.g. sleep, sedentary behaviour, physical activity and exercise). In particular, they will play a lead role in coordinating the set-up and data collection within research trials using accelerometers (locally and at external sites where appropriate), either independently or through supervision/guidance of other staff or students.

The Leicester Diabetes Centre (Leicester General Hospital) is internationally recognised for its research in diabetes, obesity, and lifestyle behaviours, including within the most recent results of the Research Excellence Framework (2021), where University of Leicester was ranked 2nd in both Sports Science and Clinical Medicine (out of 31 and 61 institutions respectively). The Leicester Diabetes Centre also hosts the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands, the NIHR Patient Recruitment Centre: Leicester, and the Centre for Ethnic Health Research.

The post provides an excellent opportunity for an ambitious researcher to work within a novel priority area, and contribute to the ongoing development of our Research Centre alongside advancing their independent research career.

About you

Please see the job summary form accompanying this advert for a full list of eligibility criteria as well as roles and responsibilities within the role.

As a Research Associate, you will have a PhD in a relevant discipline alongside evidence of contributing independently to experimental or translational research studies and peer-reviewed journal publications. 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 initially to Dr Jack Sargeant on [e-mail] who can arrange follow-up conversations as appropriate.

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.

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, or job share considered, fixed term contract until 30 November 2027