Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a motivated Research Assistant to join the School of Medicine and support an exciting study led by Dr Natalie Shur “Investigating Mechanisms of Knee Pain Improvement in Individuals with Obesity Undergoing Weight Loss: A Pilot Study on Radiological, Metabolic, and Intra-Articular Microenvironment Change”.

This project, funded by the BMA Foundation, Doris Hillier Grant, aims to investigate the mechanisms by which weight loss improves knee pain in individuals with obesity recently prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The study will investigate changes in knee pain and function longitudinally in patients undergoing weight loss, as well as knee cartilage thickness and strain using MRI, inflammatory biomarkers, and the synovial fluid microenvironment in a subgroup of individuals. It will utilise advanced imaging techniques, metabolic assessment, and proteomic analysis. By studying both biomechanical and metabolic processes, this research will provide new insights into the mechanisms driving pain relief and may inform future non-surgical treatment strategies for knee osteoarthritis.

About the role

The Research Assistant will play a central role in:

• Longitudinal data collection via online survey
• Recruiting participants and running study visits including acquisition of imaging and assistance with biological sample collection.
• Managing data with accuracy and integrity.
• Contributing to advanced imaging analysis (MRI, MR Spectroscopy, musculoskeletal ultrasound).
• Supporting data analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings.

You will be working in a multidisciplinary environment with musculoskeletal clinicians and scientists based in the Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences (IRIS) and physicists working in the Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre. The post will be of particular interest to people wishing to develop their experience in translational musculoskeletal research.

The role is offered on a part time basis over 18 months at 0.5FTE, however we will accept a higher FTE. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. This post is offered on a fixed term basis.

About You

We are looking for a candidate who is:

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Able to work effectively with human research participants.
• Interested in musculoskeletal health, obesity, imaging, and metabolic science.
• Keen to contribute to high-impact research with real clinical relevance.

You must have a BSc or equivalent experience in a relevant health related discipline (physiotherapy, sport and exercise science, clinical sciences, anatomy) and be experienced in a variety of quantitative research methodologies involving human participants. Additional desirable criteria include an MSc in a related subject e.g. Sport and Exercise Medicine or working towards PhD in relevant subject area.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Dr Natalie Shur (natalie.shur@nottingham.ac.uk). Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.