Research Technician

Hartpury University and College; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days annual leave (Pro-Rata)

Employee Assistance Programme

Techers Pension Scheme (TPS)

Employee Discounts Scheme

Onsite fitness facilities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Enhanced family leave

Shuttle bus service to Gloucester

Job summary

Hartpury University and College is seeking a Research Technician to support a project on exercise selection and muscle activity. You will provide practical and technical support, assist with data collection using sEMG and motion capture, and work with researchers at Hartpury and the University of Lancashire.

This is a fixed-term role for 24 months, 14.8 hours per week, with a salary of £13,331 per annum. The position is based at Hartpury, Gloucestershire, and includes staff benefits and flexible

Qualifications

• Hold a BSc (Hons) or MSc in Equine Science, Animal Science, Biomechanics, Sports Science, or a related discipline.
• Excellent horse handling skills and confidence working with horses in a research environment.
• Experience supporting data collection and analysis activities.
• Be highly organized with the ability to maintain accurate digital records.
• Confident using Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis software.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• Experience with Qualisys motion capture, EquiGait, MATLAB or Visual3D would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of a research project on exercise selection and muscle activity.
• Provide technical and administrative support to academic staff and the Equine Therapy Centre team.
• Assist with horse recruitment, selection and preparation for research activities.
• Support data collection using sEMG and Qualisys motion capture technology.
• Contribute to data processing, analysis and accurate record keeping.
• Collaborate with researchers at Hartpury University and the University of Lancashire.

Skills

Horse handling

Data collection

Excel

Statistics software

Organization

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

BSc (Hons) or MSc in relevant field

Tools

Qualisys motion capture

EquiGait

MATLAB

Visual3D

Job description

Research Technician

£13,331 per annum

14.8 hours per week

Fixed Term for 24 months

About the Role

• Support the delivery of an exciting research project, "The Science of Exercise Selection: The effect of overground, incline and water-treadmill exercise on muscle activity and movement adaptation"
• Provide practical, technical and administrative support to academic staff and the Equine Therapy Centre team
• Assist with horse recruitment, selection and preparation for research activities
• Support data collection using surface electromyography (sEMG) and Qualisys motion capture technology
• Contribute to data processing, analysis and accurate record keeping
• Work collaboratively with researchers at Hartpury University and the University of Lancashire
• Play a key role in advancing knowledge of equine exercise, muscle activity and movement adaptation

About You

• Hold a BSc (Hons) or MSc in Equine Science, Animal Science, Biomechanics, Sports Science, or a related discipline
• Have excellent horse handling skills and confidence working with horses in a research environment
• Possess experience supporting data collection and analysis activities
• Be highly organised, with the ability to maintain accurate digital records
• Be confident using Microsoft Excel and statistical analysis software
• Have strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to work
• Experience of Qualisys motion capture, EquiGait, MATLAB or Visual3D software would be advantageous, although full training will be provided
• Be based at, or able to travel to, Hartpury University and work flexibly to meet data collection requirements.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative research team

We offer a fantastic package of staff benefits including:

• 35 days annual leave entitlement (Pro-Rata)
• Wellbeing support including our Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous pension scheme: Techers Pension Scheme (TPS)
• Employee Discounts Scheme
• Onsite fitness facilities
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Support for continuous professional development
• Flexible working opportunities available
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity & shared parental leave
• Entry to seasonal events on campus
• Access to a shuttle bus service (Gloucester Routes)

About Us

Hartpury University and Hartpury College are among the UK's leading specialist education providers in agriculture, animal, equine, sport and veterinary nursing . Located in Gloucestershire, Hartpury University and Hartpury College sit side-by-side on a beautiful 360-hectare campus. We provide world-class facilities to more than 4,500 university and college-level students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, A-levels and diplomas, as well as undertaking industry research. The University is rated top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality ( The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 ) and has 97% graduate employability, whilst the College is rated Ofsted Outstanding in all areas. Our passionate, innovative business culture and strong support networks make Hartpury an exceptional place to develop professionally and progress your career.

At Hartpury, we're committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace - a place where we can all be ourselves and everyone feels respected and valued. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively welcome applications from ethnically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQI+ communities and disabled candidates. We offer an interview to any disabled applicant who meets the essential criteria for the role. We'll also ensure fair treatment and provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process for anyone who needs them. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion we offer a range of inclusive policies, flexible working arrangements and a multi-faith space to support staff from different backgrounds. To find out more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity, please click here .

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 11 th October 2026

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK.