Research Associate/Fellow (Fixed Term)

University of Nottingham; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a motivated Research Associate/Fellow to support a BBSRC-funded study investigating ageing's impact on motor unit function. The role offers a multidisciplinary work environment, advanced imaging techniques, and opportunities for career progression. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and experience in quantitative research methodologies involving human participants.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days

Training and career development opportunities

Access to fitness and health facilities

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in physiology, neuroscience, neural engineering, or physics.
• Experienced in quantitative research methodologies involving human participants.
• Experience developing new research approaches or techniques is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Manage volunteer recruitment and oversee the study.
• Apply advanced techniques of EMG, fMRI, and MRS.
• Contribute to signal and imaging analysis.
• Assist in data analysis and preparation of research findings.

Skills

Highly organised

Attention to detail

Ability to work with human research participants

Interest in neuromuscular physiology

Interest in electrophysiology

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant subject area

Tools

High-density surface EMG

Intramuscular EMG

fMRI

MR Spectroscopy

Job description

Overview

Closing Date: Wednesday 19 November 2025
Reference: MED258925

Applications are invited for a motivated Research Associate/Fellow to join the School of Medicine and support an exciting BBSRC-funded study led by Dr Mathew Piasecki. This project will investigate how ageing affects motor unit structure and function in humans, providing a unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge neurophysiological and imaging techniques.

The study will examine age-related differences in motor unit behaviour across multiple muscles and contraction levels, using high-density surface and intramuscular electromyography (EMG), high-density electroencephalography (EEG), functional MRI, MR spectroscopy, and detailed assessments of neuromuscular function. By combining neural and muscle-specific measures with global functional outcomes, this research will generate important insights into the mechanisms underlying age-related motor decline.

About the role

The post will play a central role in:

• Volunteer recruitment and study oversight
• Applying advanced techniques of high-density surface and intramuscular EMG, fMRI and MRS.
• Contributing to advanced signal and imaging analysis (HD-EMG/EEG, (f)MRI, MR Spectroscopy)
• Supporting data analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings.

You will be working in a multidisciplinary environment embedded within the Centre of Metabolism, Ageing and Physiology (CoMAP), based at University of Nottingham School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital. You will work alongside basic scientists and clinicians, and physicists working in the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre. The post will be of particular interest to people wishing to develop their experience in human neuromuscular research.

Your working hours will be 36.25 hours per week. If you are interested in part-time work (minimum 29 hours per week), we encourage you to apply. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. We may also consider job share arrangements.

About You

We are looking for a candidate who is:

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Able to work effectively with human research participants.
• Interested in neuromuscular physiology, ageing, and electrophysiology.
• Keen to contribute to high-impact research with real translational relevance.

You must have a PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject area (physiology/neuroscience/neural engineering/physics) or near to completion of a PhD, and be experienced in a variety of quantitative research methodologies involving human participants. Additional desirable criteria include experience of developing new research approaches, models, techniques, or methods.

What we offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each week
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.
• Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work
• We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now' to complete your details. If you have any questions about this role, please contact Dr Mathew Piasecki ([e-mail]). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.