Research Associate in Healthcare Engineering - Manchester, United Kingdom - The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester

Verified Company

Manchester, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

The Department of Engineering for Sustainability carries out innovative, industrially relevant, fundamental research in a wide range of engineering disciplines.

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework exercise we performed very well with our impact case submissions being ranked 3rd in the UK in grade point average (GPA) for both Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and Civil & Construction Engineering.

This is an excellent achievement that highlights the practical nature of our research, our success with industry and our ability to influence government policy.

Overall Purpose of the Job
Movement is at the core of maintaining independence reversing frailty and keeping healthy and well as we age.

This project proposes the development of digitally-augmented occupational and physiotherapy practices that uses digital technology to tailor movement interventions for people living with frailty in their home environment.

Half of people over 65 are frail, and it is predicted that the UK's population of older adults will double by 2041 therefore the number of people with frailty will rise considerably over the coming years.

Frailty is the presence of weakness, slow walking speed, fatigue, rapid weight loss,

and a very reduced level of activity.

Frailty affects a person's ability to move and transition between postures keep moving and recover from everyday chores and activities.

Frailty increases risks of illness, poor quality of life, falls, hospitalisation, dependency, disability, and death. A simple cold can reduce activity sufficiently to critically stop a person's ability to be independent.

Health Care Rehabilitation Professionals delivering movement exercises can reverse frailty in about 40% of people for as long as 12 months saving billion a year in NHS spending.

Physiotherapy can assess and prescribe personalised targeted exercises, and Occupational Therapy (OT) assesses and support an individual to be safe and independent in their home.

But insufficient numbers and skills of Health Care Professionals have been highlighted as a critical global concern by the World Health Organisation.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.

All appointments will be made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name:
Prof Andrew Weightman

General enquiries:

Technical support:

**Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.