Respiratory Physiotherapist (NIHR Research Study)

LSTM; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research institution in Liverpool is seeking an experienced Respiratory Physiotherapist to join an NIHR-funded study. You will deliver specialized assessments and manage CPAP therapy for patients with complex airway conditions. This role offers a dynamic research environment with opportunities for professional development and generous benefits, including 30 days of annual leave and inclusive workplace culture.

Benefits

30 days’ annual leave

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted staff membership at University of Liverpool Sports Centre

Supportive and collaborative environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ post-registration experience in respiratory physiotherapy.
• Experience managing breathing pattern disorders and large airway collapse.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering and managing CPAP therapy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver highly specialist physiotherapy assessment and treatment.
• Prescribe and manage CPAP therapy as the main clinical contact.
• Ensure accurate data collection and documentation.

Skills

Clinical reasoning skills

Management of complex respiratory presentations

Excellent verbal and written communication

Ability to work independently

Education

Degree in Physiotherapy

Current HCPC registration

Tools

Electronic health records

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is a world-leading institution with a mission to improve health outcomes through research, education, and clinical excellence. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Respiratory Physiotherapist to join a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded study investigating the use of CPAP in individuals with large airway collapse (LAC).

The post will be based one day per week at LSTM, with clinical research activity conducted at the Royal Liverpool Hospital. Reporting to Rebecca Nightingale (Clinical Lecturer, LSTM and Honorary Consultant Respiratory Physiotherapist, LUHFT), the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the clinical assessment and management of study participants, supporting the implementation of the study protocol and contributing to high-quality data collection.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated physiotherapist with specialist expertise in complex airway disease, breathing pattern disorders, large airway collapse, and CPAP therapy to develop their clinical academic experience within a collaborative multidisciplinary research environment.

This post may be eligible for a secondment arrangement. If you would like to explore this arrangement, please state this in your cover letter.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver highly specialist physiotherapy assessment and treatment for participants with large airway collapse.
• Independently prescribe, deliver and manage CPAP therapy in accordance with protocol, acting as the main clinical contact for CPAP-related issues.
• Lead clinical triage, troubleshooting and risk assessment relating to airway clearance and CPAP interventions.
• Ensure accurate data collection and documentation in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Work collaboratively with the study team at LSTM and the Royal Liverpool Hospital to support efficient participant recruitment, treatment and follow-up.
• Provide teaching and guidance to research and clinical staff on study procedures.
• Contribute to MDT discussions, clinical decision-making and escalation of complex cases.
• Support audit, service evaluation and dissemination of findings where appropriate.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess

• Degree in Physiotherapy with current HCPC registration
• A minimum of three years’ post-registration experience in respiratory physiotherapy
• Strong clinical reasoning skills in the assessment and management of complex respiratory presentations
• Experience managing breathing pattern disorders and large airway collapse
• Demonstrated experience in delivering and managing CPAP therapy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload effectively
• Competence in using electronic health records and Microsoft Office

In Return, We Offer

• 30 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays and additional Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Government-backed “Cycle to Work” scheme
• Discounted staff membership at the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment