"Research Fellow - Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain - School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences - 104131 - Grade 7"

Position Details

School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £37,099.

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2025

Closing date: 20th August 2024 

Background

The Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain within the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow funded by the UK Space Agency. 

The appointed candidate will be expected to have ambition to participate in one of the UK’s strongest research Schools, maintaining our strengths as a leading research-led teaching department, capturing external research funding, and publishing work of the highest academic quality and impact. 

The Research Fellow will work on a project which aims to identify changes in cervical neuromuscular control and function which place an astronaut at risk of cervical intervertebral disc herniation when returning to Earth. Measurements will include the assessment of muscle force, endurance and neuromuscular control detected with state-of-the-art high-density surface electromyography.

The appointee will have experience in the application and analysis of high-density surface electromyography. The candidate is to have a track record of publications demonstrating this experience.

Role Summary

• Conduct and manage research activities on a specific project evaluating astronauts pre and post space flight and patients with cervical radiculopathy
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Publish the research results in International peer-reviewed Journals

Main Duties

• Plan and carry out research on a specific project evaluating astronauts pre and post space flight and patients with cervical radiculopathy. 
• Co-supervise both undergraduate and postgraduate students 
• Perform a systematic review on the effects of space flight on neuromuscular control
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to CPR Spine research-related activities and research-related administration
• Present research outputs, for example at seminars and as posters 
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research 
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree (MRes or PhD) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Have publications in well ranked journals in the field of Pain/Neuroscience/Rehabilitation
• experience in the use and analysis of high-density electromyography 
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• 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 Professor Deborah Falla d.falla@bham.ac.uk 

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.