Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Sport and Exercise Science

The Role

Postdoctoral Research Associate: An exploration of the relationship between funding and medal targets, and athlete experience

We are seeking to appoint a Postgraduate Research Assistant (PDRA) to support a UK Sport funded research project that seeks to examine the relationship between funding and medal targets, and athlete experience. The post holder will assist in a project that explores questions related to the nature of the demands placed on elite athletes to meet metrics of success in Olympic and Paralympic cycles.

The post-holder is employed to work on a research project which will be led by Prof. Martin Roderick. 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 Prof Martin Roderick as the project lead. The post is flexible - 5 days per week - and the post holder does not need to be based in either Durham or the Northeast of England. The successful candidate will on occasion need to travel to training sites to conduct athlete interviews and focus groups.

Key responsibilities:

• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and UK Sport, 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.
• 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.
• To conduct qualitative research under the Principle Investigator including athlete recruitment, data collection, data management and data analysis. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• Undertake narrative interviews and conduct focus groups with elite UK Sport funded athletes and para-athletes (current athletes and former athletes).
• Prepare a self-completion survey for distribution.
• Undertake a literature search and draft review with Principle Investigator.
• To plan and manage research activities and resources in collaboration with UK Sport. 

This post is fixed term for 9 months.