Research Associate in Human Physiology Immunology and Long COVID

1000scholars; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous holiday allowance

Green campus facilities access

Two pension schemes

Hybrid working options

On-site nursery

Healthcare and wellbeing offers

Travel and sustainability programs

Job summary

Loughborough University is seeking a Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary team studying fatigue and post-exertional symptom exacerbation in Long COVID. You will recruit participants, conduct physiological assessments, manage data, and coordinate project activities across collaborating sites.

Ideal applicants hold a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science or related field, with experience in human participant research, experimental testing, and data analysis.

Qualifications

• PhD in Sport and Exercise Science, Physiology, Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, or related discipline.
• Experience with human participant research and physiological testing is preferred.
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Recruit participants and conduct physiological assessments.
• Coordinate CPET, autonomic assessments, wearables and data management.
• Support laboratory procedures and data integration with collaborators.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in Sport and Exercise Science or related

Job description

Full Time, Fixed Term until August 2028

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research team investigating the biological mechanisms underpinning fatigue and post-exertional symptom exacerbation in Long COVID and related post-infectious conditions. The successful candidate will carry out participant recruitment, physiological assessments, biological sample collection and processing, symptom monitoring, data management, and project coordination. Responsibilities will include delivery of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), autonomic assessments, wearable technology deployment, participant follow-up, and support for laboratory procedures and data integration activities. The postholder will work closely with collaborators at Loughborough University, Imperial College London, and international partners.

We are looking for an individual with a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science, Physiology, Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, or a related discipline, with experience of conducting research involving human participants. Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Experience of physiological testing, biological sample processing, data analysis, and working with individuals living with chronic health conditions would be advantageous.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-profile programme of research with the potential to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Long COVID and related conditions, while working within a supportive and collaborative research environment.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Mark Faghy, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, via email to [e-mail].

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing Date: 25 October 2026

Our Benefits

• Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
• Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
• Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
• Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
• Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
• Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.

From £35,608. Specialist and Supporting Academic Research Grade 6. Subject to annual pay award.