Research Assistant

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.

Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here .

The Role and Department

The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is a global leader across a range of sport and physical activity domains. We were named the 2023 Sports University of the Year by @thetimes and we are proudly ranked 4 ^th in the UK, in the Complete University Guide 2025, and 10 ^th in the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework (REF). We are also a QS World Top 100 department for sport-related subjects. The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences offers a vibrant, innovative and friendly academic environment for talented individuals to flourish and develop their careers.

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant (RA) on a part time basis (0.4 FTE) to support an exciting and innovative project in collaboration with an industry partner Applied Monitoring Limited who have designed a device to measure lactate using non-invasive technology. The work can be flexible regarding which days the RA works and can be negotiated around other commitments like another part time role, study etc . Lactate is produced in the muscles and the blood as a by-product of exercise. As exercise intensity increases the concentration level of lactate increases, which can ultimately result in the termination of exercise due to feelings of discomfort. Sports scientists, coaches and athletes use lactate as a key measurement for creating bespoke training programmes to maximise positive adaptations to support the athletes' competition performance. The aim of the project is to compare the new device against the laboratory standard.

Part time position that offers flexible working days in 0.4 FTE position for one year. There is flexibility within the role to agree different working days that are not fixed week to week and also to work more days certain weeks to accommodate other commitments the successful candidate may have.

• This post is fixed term for 12 months as funding is only available for this amount of time.

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

The successful candidate will work with Dr Lindsay Macnaughton as the project lead and will work closely with our technical staff and other team members. Experience conducting human based, exercise laboratory testing is essential and as the project requires venous blood collection phlebotomy experience and qualification is also essential with cannulation experience being highly desirable. Excellent initiative, flexibility in work style, communication, and teamwork are highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

• To conduct quantitative research under the Principle Investigator including recruitment, data collection, data management and data visualisation. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To plan and manage research activities and resources in collaboration with others.
• To address problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and the research team offering creative or innovative solutions.
• Contribute to publication of high-quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.
• To prepare and deliver presentations and reports on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.

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.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

- 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.

- The University closes between Christmas and New Year

- We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.

- There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

- Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

- On site nursery is available plus access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

- Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

- The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community

- Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.

- A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

- If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here .

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information

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