Research Assistant

(0.2 FTE)

Job Purpose

To make a contribution to the project: Move Like a Pro. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge in the area of health behaviour change, such as increasing physical activity, decreasing sedentary time, improving diet, reducing obesity or weight management. The post-holder will also be required to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with, and under the guidance of, the Principal Investigator (PI):

1. Contribute to the planning and conduct of assigned research, individually or jointly, in accordance with the project deliverables and project/School/College/University research strategy.


2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate.


3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the School/College/University, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, gathering indicators of esteem.


4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance the research profile of the School/College/University.


5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.


6. Participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College/University.


7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.


8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project and School, including budgets/expenditure monitoring.


9. Make a modest contribution to teaching activities and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with PI.


10. Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of the School/College/University.


11. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.


12. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.


13. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform. For short term appointments, such as this, it may be that not all of the duties will be undertaken. 

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be on the University’s Research and Teaching Grade, level 6, £27,328 – £30,738 pro rata, per annum.

This post is part time – around 7 hours per week. The post is currently funded until 31 July 2016.

New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.

The successful applicant will be eligible to join the Universities’ Superannuation Scheme. Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.

All research and related activities, including grants, donations, clinical trials, contract research, consultancy and commercialisation are required to be managed through the University’s relevant processes (e.g. contractual and financial), in accordance with the University Court’s policies.

The University has been awarded the Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award.