Research Associate - School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences - 105792 - Grade 6

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham seeks a Research Associate skilled in data science and human movement sciences. This full-time role involves data collection, analysis, and model development for research projects in health and sports. The position offers opportunities for academic contributions and collaboration in an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in human movement analysis.
• Experience with motion capture and wearables.

Responsibilities

• Conduct data collection using motion capture or wearables.
• Develop computational models and statistical analyses.
• Draft academic publications and support grant writing.

Skills

Python

Data Management

GitHub

Machine Learning

Writing

Education

Degree in relevant subject area

Job description

Job Description

Position Details

School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,546 to £35,116 with potential progression once in post to £39,355

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2026

Closing date: 8th June 2025

Background

We are looking for a Research Associate with excellent data science skills and a strong interest in human movement sciences with applications in health and sports. They will assist in data collection, analysis, and modelling activities for new research ideas and pilot projects.

Role Summary

• This role will support the development of new research ideas, analysing current or new datasets, developing machine learning models for tackling research questions, writing code to support data collection/analysis.
• Datasets will include accelerometry, physiology, computer vision, 3D motion capture in the context of health, sports or behavioural analyses.
• The role will further require input and contribution towards publications and grant applications.

Main Duties

• Conduct literature reviews relevant to the area of research
• Conduct data collection, either lab-based using motion capture, or community-based from smartphones/wearables
• Develop analysis scripts, computational models, and statistical analyses for a variety of datasets (primarily time series)
• Produce research outputs, including drafting academic publications, support grant writing, presenting at seminars
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Excellent programming skills in Python (Matlab also desirable)
• Up-to-date knowledge and experience of developing and applying computational models (i.e., machine learning) to time series data and/or computer vision
• Data management and version-control skills, including use of GitHub or similar repositories
• Excellent writing skills
• Strong interest (or desirably, experience) in human movement analysis, including motion capture and/or use of wearables
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure, in day-to-day activity in own area, that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Dr. Mark Elliott, email: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter, and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.