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). 

Additional information

A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.

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

Advert information