Academic Associate - Sport

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

The School

The School of Science, Technology and Health has a focus on high quality equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning, with a priority for partnership development to enhance student success and outcomes. Sport is a vibrant department within the School and we currently offer a range of programmes across foundation year, undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study. Notably, we hold validation by the Society of Sports Therapists (SST) and endorsement from the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES), for our BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Therapy and BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science programmes, respectively.  

The Team

As part of our expansion, we are seeking to appoint an Academic Associate into our Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health (PAtCH) research group. As an Academic Associate, you will complete your PhD in four years whilst contributing a maximum of 6-8 hours contact time per week to the taught curriculum on our Sport and Exercise Science programme.

The Role

The role is designed to provide an opportunity for a mix of teaching and research. The successful candidate will undertake a PhD in our Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health (PAtCH) research group, in the area of cardiovascular physiology either in the theme of exercise and health or sports performance. The PhD includes ultrasound derived markers of cardiac and/or vascular structure and function, although prior ultrasound skills are not essential for application to the role, as full training will be provided to the successful candidate. Any appointment will be conditional upon acceptance to a PhD programme at York St John University.

Key Requirements

• An honours degree (2:1 or above) and a postgraduate masters degree from a UK HEI, or an internationally recognised equivalent. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the research.
• Knowledge and experience to teach on Sport and Exercise Science modules
• Excellent understanding of research methodologies
• A proven ability to work well both independently and with others in a research environment
• Willingness to learn and develop laboratory research skills. 
• A high standard of written English and the ability to communicate clearly in both academic (academic colleagues) and non-academic contexts (patients/participants) where and when appropriate. 

The Research

Please align your proposal to one of the topics of interest outlined below.

Project: The impact of physical activity and/or exercise training on cardiovascular structure, function and mechanics. 

This PhD project aims to investigate the influence of physical activity and/or exercise training on cardiovascular structure and function across the age spectrum. Potential topics of interest may include, but are not limited to: 

• The interaction between ageing and exercise training on cardiac adaptation.
• Cardiac structure, function and mechanics in the athletic heart.
• The influence of regular physical activity and/or exercise training on the vascular health of middle-aged and older adults using ultrasound.

 Additional information

Supervisory Team:

Dr Alex Beaumont: a.beaumont1@yorksj.ac.uk (main supervisor) 

Dr Sophie Carter: s.carter@yorksj.ac.uk (co-supervisor project dependant)

Dr Amy Campbell: a.campbell@yorksj.ac.uk (co-supervisor project dependant) 

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Alex Beaumont, Associate Head of School (Sport), a.beaumont1@yorksj.ac.uk

It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and a presentation. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.

Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.