Postdoctoral Research Assistant

(Maternity Cover)

The acute effects of sitting time on physiological and psychological function in older adults

Lead Supervisor: Dr Carolyn Greig

Co-Supervisors: Dr Anna Phillips, Dr Tom Jackson

Institute: University of Birmingham, School of Sport Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Life & Environmental Sciences and MRC-ARUK Centre for

Musculoskeletal Ageing Research (www.birmingham.ac.uk/musculoskeletal-ageing).

Funding: The Dunhill Medical Trust

The science of sedentariness is an emerging field and one which addresses an increasingly serious public health problem. We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed post-doctoral research assistant to provide maternity cover for 8 months from 01 Feb 2016 on an exciting and novel externally funded project investigating the acute effects of sitting time on physiological and psychological function in older adults.

The current UK physical activity guidelines state that older people should not only be more active but that they should also be less inactive: “All older adults should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods”. However there is insufficient information about (i) the acute effects of sedentariness in terms of (i) physiological (musculoskeletal) function (ii) psychological (cognitive) function (iii) psychophysiological stress (iv) older people’s views about sedentariness. These knowledge gaps hamper progress in extending the current behavioural change framework to the development of interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour. The aim of this project is to identify key physiological and psychological outcomes influenced by acute periods of inactivity and what older people feel after these acute periods of inactivity. Studies will be conducted within the Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (WTCRF), University Hospitals Birmingham which has temperature controlled rooms and houses all the necessary equipment. This research will inform the development, implementation and evaluation of future interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in older people by identifying key elements of the immediate (acute) benefits of breaking up long periods of sitting, aiding engagement with older adults about immediate individual level benefits of reduced sitting and identifying outcome measures sensitive to changes in sitting time. Alongside views of older people, it will provide ecologically valid messages that can ensure more effective take up of an intervention among older people and the professionals that work with older people. For example, for professionals working in residential homes or on hospital wards the results of this research will give valuable information on desirable time periods for encouraging mobilisation.

Person Specification

Applicants should have a strong research background in human physiology, psychology or sport and exercise science. Experience in conducting research with older adults is desirable. Prospective candidates are expected to have at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree and PhD in a relevant subject.

Enquiries can be directed to Dr Carolyn Greig:  Email: c.a.greig@bham.ac.uk              

Reference Number: 

For further information or to apply visit: www.hr.bham.ac.uk/jobs