Sport and Exercise Science at University of Derby covers physiology and psychology; biomechanics and performance analysis; strength, conditioning and rehabilitation; sport management; sport education and coaching. The discipline focuses on performance sports, exercise and recreational sports, and physical activity for health and wellbeing. We engage with industry and ensure impact through our applied provision across a broad range of professional, semi-professional and amateur sport organisations across Derbyshire, including Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derby County Football Club, Derby Rugby Football Club, Derventio Swimming Club, Derbyshire Institute of Sport, and Active Derbyshire.
Our industry-informed and student-led approach, combined with our wide knowledge and skill set in a broad spectrum of areas within health and performance, drive industry standards and promote development, transition and independence. This creates a vibrant, exciting and inclusive place for our students to learn and allows our graduates to make a real impact in the health and sporting world.
The main purpose of the role is to provide dedicated operational and research support for the EMERGE RehabTech-funded thermal imaging feasibility study in primary care. You will support the day-to-day delivery of the project, including study setup, participant recruitment support, informed consent processes, data collection, thermal image management, questionnaire administration, data entry, and preliminary analysis.
As a Research Assistant, core duties will include working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, liaising with the participating GP practice and clinical team, supporting recruitment of eligible participants, ensuring accurate completion of case report forms, managing pseudonymised research data, assisting with MATLAB-based thermal image processing, supporting analysis of patient and clinician feedback, and contributing to reports, dissemination materials and academic outputs. Some travel between the University of Derby and the participating GP practice will be required.
Key deliverables will include supporting recruitment of up to 50 participants, maintaining high-quality and complete study records, supporting patient and clinician acceptability data collection, contributing to the feasibility and cost-comparison analysis, and helping prepare the final project report.
This role offers career development in applied health research, NHS research governance, primary care innovation, thermal imaging methods, patient-facing research, PPIE, data management, feasibility study delivery and health technology evaluation.
This is a fixed term contract for 8 months.
Anticipated interview date: Monday 21st September 2026
