Graduate Teaching Assistant (Health and fitness surveillance of children and young people across West Lancashire)

Fixed term for 3 years

University of the Year 2014/2015 – Times Higher Education Awards

Research proposals are invited in the areas below:

Health and fitness surveillance of children and young people across West Lancashire

There a growing evidence that fitness, physical activity, and reduced sedentary behaviours (and associated interventions) have beneficial effects on physical and mental health (Chief Medical Officers, 2011; Tremblay et al., 2011). These benefits include higher levels of general physical health and fitness, reduced obesity and chronic disease risks, increased quality of life, functional capacity and higher mood states (Penedo & Dahn, 2005). Currently, however, there is limited research and data on these factors among children and young people (Janssen & Leblanc, 2010). This project will generate serial cross-sectional data on the physical activity, health, and fitness of West Lancashire children with a view to better understanding barriers and facilitating factors that contribute to engagement in health behaviours. The project will also provide key stakeholders with evidence-based insights to inform the commissioning of services and programmes. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, the project will utilise a mixed-methods approach to assess children’s physical activity, fitness, and various indicators of physical and psychological health, and examine interactions between these factors. Such assessments may involve use of wearable multi-sensor devices, self-report methods, and field-tests of fitness. This research would translate into contributions toward data-driven interventions and research-informed provision and services for children and young people in West Lancashire. Given the lack of existing research in this area, and in light of the rates of childhood overweight and obesity in West Lancashire, which are among the highest in the North-West and above England’s average (Public Health England, 2016), this project has large potential for policy and service level impact.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Whitney Curry (Department of Sport and Physical Activity) at Whitney.Curry@edgehill.ac.uk

How to apply

Applicants must complete the online application form, attaching one document containing:

• A ‘Research Proposal’ which should not exceed 2,000 words


• A full academic curriculum vitae

Applicants should normally have/be about to obtain, a Masters qualification in a relevant subject.

Selection Criteria:

Selection will be based on the following:

• Your curriculum vitae


• The synergy between your qualifications, research experience and declared research interest


• The quality of the research proposal


• Performance at interview


• Supervisory capacity in the declared area of research


• Previous tutoring/teaching experience and related subject based qualifications


• The strategic and developmental needs of the faculty

The Recruitment Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and asked to give a presentation related to their proposal. Successful candidates at interview will be put forward to a final selection panel which will make the decision on the award of the studentships. Candidates will not have to attend the final panel.

The closing date for all studentships is Sunday 10 April 2016

Interviews will be held between Tuesday 3 May and Wednesday 11 May 2016