Research Fellow - Birmingham, United Kingdom - University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham
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Birmingham, United Kingdom

1 week ago

Tom O´Connor

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Tom O´Connor

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Description

Position Details
School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences

Location:
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,024.

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2026

Closing date: 1st April 2024


Background


The Research Fellow will work alongside Dr Eduardo Martinez-Valdes in an Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK)-funded randomised control trial investigating the effects of a novel training intervention for the management of patellar tendinopathy.


In this project, we will seek to evaluate the efficacy of slow-speed visuo-motor torque feedback training on various aspects of patellar tendinopathy, including changes in pain levels, 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 the conventional patellar tendinopathy management provided by the NHS, consisting in home-based eccentric exercises.


The second objective involves a comparison of morphomechanical properties of the patellar tendon and the firing properties of quadriceps motor units between individuals with patellar tendinopathy and healthy controls.

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.

This comparative analysis aims to deepen our understanding of the underlying factors associated with patellar tendinopathy, paving the way for more targeted and effective interventions.


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.


Role Summary

  • Work within specified research grants and/or projects and contribute to writing bids
  • Operate within area of specialism (Motor Control
  • Biomechanics-Neurophysiology
  • Rehabilitation)
  • Analyse and interpret research findings and results
  • Contribute to generating funding
  • Contribute to publications and conference presentations
  • Support with teaching and supervision of students

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 highdensity surface electromyography (HDsEMG), isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasound imaging, particularly focusing on shearwave elastography.
  • Analyse research data by employing advanced signal processing techniques and imaging techniques (i.e. Blind Source Separation).
  • Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts there of, 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
  • Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

  • 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 (matlab, C++, Python, R or similar)
  • Knowledge in motor unit physiology and muscletendon mechanics
  • Good statistical knowledge and use of statistical software (i.e., SPSS, R, STATA)
  • Experience publishing in scientific journals
  • Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
  • Ability to access and organise resources successfully Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
**We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Eq
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