Research Fellow (fixed term for 24 months)

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

Our research group brings together internationally recognised research expertise in muscle mechanics and clinical motion analysis at Liverpool John Moores University, and clinical partners from the Orthopaedics Department and Gait Laboratory at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Alder Hey is the regional centre for movement analysis in the North-West of England and one of the largest children’s hospitals in Europe. You will be employed by LJMU but will be required to work flexibly within this research group at both Alder Hey and LJMU.

We are seeking an excellent post-doctoral researcher to join our research group and lead our exciting project in the musculoskeletal health of children with cerebral palsy. This project will integrate motion analysis and ultrasound imaging of muscle structure in an artificial neural network analysis to develop a novel diagnostic tool to distinguish between the causes of joint stiffness in children with cerebral palsy. A project summary can be found within the job description.  

You will be responsible for day-to-day management and delivery of this project including research governance, data collection and analysis, dissemination in scientific and lay forums, and management of national and international collaborations. It is also expected that you will make a wider contribution to the research group by supporting ongoing projects and postgraduate research students.

You must have completed doctoral research in the field of musculoskeletal mechanics and have experience with ultrasound imaging and motion analysis. An understanding of the effects and treatments of cerebral palsy is essential, and you must demonstrate the ability to work in the challenging environment of clinical paediatrics. Any appointment would be dependent on you receiving enhanced clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction, and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Prof Thomas O’Brien ([email protected] ). 

The School of Sport and Exercise Science is proud of its commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and endeavours to cultivate a staff base that is representative of society. We therefore encourage applications from all individuals who meet the advert criteria, but would particularly encourage women, BAME, LGBTQ+, non-binary and individuals with a disability to apply. We welcome flexible working enquiries.