Research Fellow

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,024
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to May 2026

Background

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to work alongside Dr Eduardo Martinez-Valdes in an Orthopaedic Research UK-funded randomised control trial investigating the effects of a novel training intervention for the management of patellar tendinopathy.

The project will aim to evaluate the efficacy of slow-speed visuo-motor torque feedback training on patellar tendon pain, functional performance, quadriceps neuromuscular activity, and the mechanical and structural properties of the Patellar tendon. A comparative analysis will be conducted between the outcomes of this intervention and conventional exercise management for patellar tendinopathy.

The second objective involves a comparison of morphomechanical properties of the patellar tendon and the firing properties of quadriceps motor units between individuals with and without patellar tendinopathy. The overarching goal is to identify novel mechanisms contributing to declines in strength, reductions in the control of knee-extension muscle force, and increased pain in individuals with patellar tendinopathy.

The Research Fellow will help with recruitment, will perform all assessments during experimental sessions, will support with data processing/analysis, support with student supervision and will be involved in manuscript writing and conference presentations.

Main Duties

• Recruit patients with patellar tendinopathy
• Support the training and monitoring of patients throughout the trial
• Collect research data by using techniques such as high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG), isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasound imaging, particularly focusing on shear-wave elastography.
• Analyse research data by employing advanced signal processing and imaging techniques.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Develop, adapt, and integrate techniques (i.e., HDsEMG, torque and ultrasonography) models and methods.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the project.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.

Person Specification

• PhD degree (or near to completion) in Physiotherapy/Rehabilitation Science/Sports Science/Kinesiology/Biomechanics/Biomedical Engineering or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Experience working with patient populations, particularly recruiting patients for clinical studies/clinical trials/longitudinal studies.
• Practical experience of working with HDsEMG, ultrasonography and/or isokinetic dynamometry
• Knowledge on HDsEMG signal processing, particularly focusing on motor unit decomposition.
• Desirable programming knowledge (i.e., Matlab, Python)
• Knowledge in motor unit physiology and muscle-tendon mechanics
• Good statistical knowledge and use of statistical software (i.e., SPSS, R)
• Experience publishing in scientific journals.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully

Informal enquiries to Eduardo Martinez Valdes, email: [email protected]

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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