Research Assistant – 15409 at Brunel University London

Location: Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus

Hours: Part-time (0.4 FTE)

Contract Type: Fixed-term (9 months)

Brunel University London was established in 1966 and is a leading multidisciplinary research-intensive technology university delivering economic, social and cultural benefits. For more information please visit: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/about/our-history/home

The Department of Life Sciences at the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at Brunel University London is recruiting a research assistant to work on a project exploring the acute effects of a movement simulation intervention on sit-to-stand performance and falls risk in community-dwelling older adults. Older adults exhibit deficits in motor planning, increasing their risk of falling when performing daily activities. A large proportion (~25%) of falls occur when an older person is either rising from or lowering on to a chair, yet this remains fundamental to many activities of daily living. The project will employ different movement analysis and psychometric measures to assess changes in biomechanical and psychological factors for the sit-to-stand movement and falls risk after a single session of combined action observation and motor imagery training, with the ultimate aim to inform longer-term intervention strategies.

The purpose of the role is to lead on pilot work, recruitment and (scheduling of) data collection sessions. This will involve intervention material development, the recruitment of around 40 community-dwelling older adults, and the integrated use of force plates and motion capture to collect movement kinematics and kinetics for all executed sit-to-stand movements. Additionally, self-report measures will be employed in a staggered manner across each testing session. To achieve this, the appointed candidate will have to be able to work independently where necessary. Another key role is to contribute to the preparation of scientific reports/journal articles.

Candidates should have completed a BSc (essential) or MSc (desirable) in Neuroscience, Psychology, Movement/Sports Science, or other relevant discipline. Experience with relevant movement analysis methods is required. You should be able to demonstrate critical thinking, and be keen to learn and improve skills in a supportive research environment. Experience working with older or clinical populations is desirable. The ability to work both independently and in a team are essential.

Informal queries can be made to Dr Adam Bruton, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London at adam.bruton@brunel.ac.uk

Closing date for applications: Thursday 28th September 2023 (Midnight)

Interviews will take place in week commencing 2nd of October (virtual)

If you have any technical issues please contact us at: hrsystems@brunel.ac.uk

Brunel University London is fully committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities, we particularly welcome applicants who are currently under- represented in our workforce.