Research Associate

at  Manchester Metropolitan University

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

The post-holder will work on an NIHR-funded project investigating the feasibility of using sports tape to treat kneecap arthritis (Tape-It Study). This project involves 3 complementary workstreams (WS) where we will examine:
WS1: Intervention development: 10 people with painful PFJOA will be recruited to two workshops. Participants will advise on the taping intervention and refine the intervention for the clinical trial.
WS2: Intervention delivery (clinical trial): 30 patients with painful PFJOA will receive best-practice care and taping for three months, providing quantitative measures of feasibility and pain reduction.
WS3: Intervention acceptability: 15 trial participants will participate in individual semi-structured interviews about their experiences of using the tape, providing qualitative information on acceptability and feasibility.
We have completed WS1, this post is to support WS2 and WS3.
You will work within the Department of Health Professions in the Faculty of Health and Education at Manchester Metropolitan University under the supervision Professor Michael Callaghan and Professor Gillian Yeowell at Manchester Metropolitan University, and the wider project team. This is a vibrant department conducting extensive research involving clinical physical rehabilitation.

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive colleague who has experience of qualitative research methods and specifically conducting and analysing interviews previously. You will have strong communication skills, the ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines and a passion for research. You will be required within the role to complete and keep up to date your Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training and Disclosure and Barring service check.

TO APPLY:

If you would like to apply, please take the time to consider the essential criteria in the job description and provide us with a CV that demonstrates your suitability for the role.
For informal enquiries please contact Prof Michael Callaghan at michael.callaghan@mmu.ac.uk
Interviews will commence on 22nd November.
Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+

We are recruiting a senior research associate for 0.5 FTE for a time-limited project (finishing in March 2026). You will be based at Manchester Metropolitan University but may be required to travel to recruitment sites in Greater Manchester at times.
The senior research associate will lead on conducting, analysing and writing up the interviews for the study to explore participants’ motivation to take part in the study, reasons for adherence and non-adherence, their opinions on the acceptability of Tape-It, enablers and barriers to the therapy and reasons for non-completion if they don’t complete the study.