Postdoctoral Research Associate in Moving Bodies Lab

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to be based in the Moving Bodies Lab.

The post holder will be responsible for a) designing and conducting an original programme of individual research that aligns with the aims and objectives of the Moving Bodies Lab, and b) working with the Lab leader and other members of the Lab team to devise and deliver activities and outputs that extend the profile of moving bodies in relation to medical humanities research.

Lab activities may include but are not limited to: regular participation in Lab meetings, workshops and other events; collaboration in methodological innovation with interdisciplinary and cross-sector partners through a range of modalities; the design and delivery of pilot and proof-of-concept studies; and taking shared responsibility for sustaining a flourishing research culture in the Lab and Platform more broadly. Where appropriate, the post holder will also be encouraged and supported to collaborate with other Sites / Labs and Researchers across the Platform. Regular participation (in-person as well as virtual) at Site, Lab and Platform activities, as agreed with the Lab lead and Line Manager is essential.

The role offers an exciting opportunity to make an important contribution to the development of research and methodological innovation within the Discovery Research Platform for Medical Humanities, while allowing you excellent opportunities to develop your career in an exciting and progressive institution.

All staff employed in the DRP-IMH have dedicated time for professional development and can access a wealth of existing and bespoke training opportunities in consultation with their Lab lead.

For more information, please visit our Institute and Platform pages at https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/medical-humanities/ , our Moving Bodies Lab pages at https://medhumsplatform.org/labs/moving-bodies/ and Department pages at [ https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/sport-exercise-sciences ].

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Moving Bodies

Applicants must demonstrate research excellence on the topic of moving bodies / physical activity from a social science perspective, with the ability to fully engage in the services, citizenship and values of the University. The University provides a working, research and teaching environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate these key principles as part of the assessment process.

· To plan and carry out a programme of individual and collaborative research activity under the direction of the Moving Bodies Lab lead.

· To work with the Lab lead and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.

· To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.

· To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Lab lead.

· To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.

· To contribute to the planning and organisation of Lab and Platform activities (e.g. meetings, seminars, workshops).

· To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Lab lead and offering creative or innovative solutions.

· To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.

· Contribute to enhancing the quality of the research culture in the Lab, Platform, wider University and beyond through collaborative research activity.

· To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.

· To engage in continuing professional development by contributing to the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses, under the direction of the Lab Lead.

This post is fixed term for three years. Funding is available from the Discovery Research Platform for this fixed period only.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.