Brain and Movement Research Assistant/Associate 2024

This Research Assistant/Associate position and provides an exciting opportunity for an early career scientist who is interested in human movement, wearable technology and digital outcomes. You will be expected to work in an interdisciplinary group who has an established international reputation in gait analysis and wearable technology analytics.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biomedical Science, Movement Science or related field (a PhD is essential for the Research Associate position), experience working with wearable sensor data and digital outcomes; proficient and independent signal processing, statistical and computational skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Successful candidates will be mentored by an experienced member of academic staff throughout their term in one of our Research Institutes.

You will work as part of a research team supporting a range of projects aiming to look at the utility of wearable technology and digital mobility outcomes of real-world gait and physical activity to detect clinically relevant changes to post-diagnostic care, interventions and potential disease modifying effects.

You will be expected to provide training and technical assistance, manage the transfer and analysis of gait/physical activity data collected with wearable technology, novel and traditional gait analysis tools (e.g. instrumented mat, etc.) and publish and present key findings from the projects.

About us

The 'Brain and Movement (BAM) Research Group' are based at the Clinical Ageing Research Unit (CARU) a translational clinical research platform jointly run and managed by Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and also at The Catalyst.

Weblinks

• Brain and Movement Research Team: https://research.ncl.ac.uk/bam/
• Clinical Ageing Research Unit: https://www.newcastlebrc.nihr.ac.uk/research/research-infrastructure/clinical-ageing-research-unit-caru/
• Biomedical Research Centre – Digital Health, Ageing Innovation and Inclusion theme: https://www.newcastlebrc.nihr.ac.uk/digital-health-ageing-innovation-and-inclusion/
• The Catalyst: https://www.thecatalystnewcastle.co.uk/
• Translational and Clinical Research Institute: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/translational/

This post is full time, fixed term until 31/08/2026

Further information can be obtained by contacting Dr Lisa Alcock (lisa.alcock@ncl.ac.uk) and/or Professor Alison Yarnall (alison.yarnall@ncl.ac.uk).

The Institute is part of the Faculty of Medical Sciences which holds a Silver Athena SWAN award.

Newcastle University is committed to being a fully inclusive Global University which actively recruits, supports and retains staff from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all our employees and the community they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from everybody, regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability,gender identity, marital status/civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, as well as being open to flexible working practices.

Key accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
• Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
• Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
• Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
• Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
• Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

The person

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• Detailed subject knowledge (PI to describe subject knowledge required) in the area of research
• Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
• Experience working with wearable sensor data and digital outcomes
• Proficient and independent signal processing, statistical and computational skills
• Good knowledge of Matlab or equivalent programming language
• Database and project management skills
• Knowledge of statistical techniques
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Good information technology and computing skills and experience with cloud computing platforms
• Experience working with older adults and/or patient groups.
• Understanding of neurodegenerative conditions, including dementia and Parkinson’s disease

Attributes and Behaviour

• Enthusiastic
• Team player

Qualifications

• A PhD in Biomedical Science, Movement Science or related field (required for appointment at Associate level)
• Honors degree in Biomedical Science, Movement Science or related field (for appointment at Assistant level)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.