Research Fellow - Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

Position Details

School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Closing date: 20th May 2026

UK travel may be required for this role

Background

We are seeking to appoint an autonomous and experienced mixed methods researcher. We require a post-doctoral Research Fellow to deliver the process evaluation of the COMbAT Fatigue feasibility study.

This study forms part of the wider COMbAT Fatigue NIHR-funded Programme Grant which aims to c o-produce and evaluate the effectiveness of a self-management programme for post-stroke fatigue .

The research programme is a collaboration between experts at the Universities of Birmingham, Cambridge and Bournemouth, and clinicians from hospitals, GP practices and community settings in the West Midlands.

We have completed the first phase: Co-development of the digital self-management programme. We are now opening a multi-site feasibility study to test acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and study design.

The aim of the current post is to deliver the mixed-methods process evaluation for the feasibility study.

The role includes undertaking and analysing semi-structured interviews with stroke survivors and clinicians; fidelity scoring intervention appointment recordings; analysing quantitative process data from the web-based programme; Patient, Public Involvement and Engagement; and writing publications.

The role may include some travelling to conduct interviews.

This is a full-time post for 11 months.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing publications.
• Operate within area of specialism
• Collect, analyse and interpret research findings and results, including:
  • Qualitative interviews with stroke survivors and clinicians.
  • Score intervention adherence (appointment recordings) using a fidelity checklist.
  • Analysing quantitative process data from the web-based programme.
• Conduct Patient, Public Involvement and Engagement.

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• 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
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews’
• Work with Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) groups
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, 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
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification or Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• 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 Dr Grace Turner, ( ***email_hidden*** ).

View our staff values and behaviours here

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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 .