Research Associate (Injury and Illness Surveillance, and Growth and Maturation in Premier League Academy Football)

The Department for Health is seeking a Research Associate. 

About the role

The Premier League Elite Performance Plan (EPPP) is in place to support young people who are aspiring footballers to maximise their potential, on and off the pitch. This is achieved via elite player development and personal growth, however, injuries can significantly impact players’ development due to reduced training and match time (Price et al., 2004). The rapid physical and psychological changes that occur during the adolescent growth spurt can increase the risk of injury during this period, and may bias selection decisions. The Premier League Academy Injury and Illness Surveillance Project is the largest and most wide-ranging project of its kind within sport. 

You will work with external partners, including the Premier League and Kitman Labs, to deliver a world-leading and sustainable injury surveillance audit and develop a learning and development programme related to growth and maturation. The work will involve conducting an audit in accordance with the definitions and protocols published in consensus statements related to injury and illness surveillance in football (e.g., Fuller et al., 2006; Waldén et al., 2023), and writing and delivering impactful reports to all partners. 

You will also undertake a 'Good Practice Review' of growth and maturation programmes across the Academy landscape. The outcomes of the 'Good Practice Review' will then be used to develop a learning and development programme, which may include online webinars, digital learning materials, and face-to-face workshops. You will also contribute to the development of growth and maturation-themed formats and events to be delivered as part of the Games Programme. In addition, you will provide project management and administration services.

This role is offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed term basis with an expected duration of 24 months. 

About you

You will be experienced in conducting sports epidemiology research and in handling and analysing large datasets. You will also have:

• A PhD in Epidemiology, Data Science, Sports and Exercise Science, or related subject area.
• Experience in working with, and providing support to, athletes and/or medical practitioners.
• An understanding of growth and maturation and it's application to sport (e.g., bio-banding). 

For informal discussions about the role please contact Dr Sean Williams on sw356@bath.ac.uk or Professor Sean Cumming on sc325@bath.ac.uk

What we can offer you

• a very generous employer contributory pension scheme
• generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
• we are a family-friendly University and with an increasingly agile workforce, are open to flexible working arrangements
• an excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
• a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities
• a number of support options available for new and existing staff to help with the cost of some immigration expenses which you may be eligible for: Relocation allowance, Visa Reimbursement, Interest-Free Loan.

Find out more about our benefits.

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected & encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, & communities.

Advert information