University of Derby
Research Assistant in Thermal Imaging Project
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We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
About the University of Derby
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the College/Department
At the heart of shaping future professionals and creative thinkers, the College of Health and Humanities brings together three dynamic and diverse schools:
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through hands-on learning, expert teaching, and strong industry partnerships. Our courses are designed to meet the demands of real-world practice and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.
School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation
From state-of-the-art clinical simulation suites and specialist sport facilities to valuable placement opportunities, the School of Health, Sport and Rehabilitation focuses on ensuring our student graduate ready for the challenges of modern healthcare, sport and rehabilitation. Our career-focused courses are designed with industry partners and delivered by experienced academics and practitioners.
The School unites a variety of subject areas, including:
- Public Health and Social Care
- Diagnostics and Clinical Interventions
- Therapy and Rehabilitation
Through an integrated approach to learning and professional development, our students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in their chosen fields and make a lasting impact.
School of Humanities, Law and Creative Arts
Celebrating creativity, critical thinking, and cultural exploration. This school nurtures writers, performers, thinkers and artists, offering opportunities to grow intellectually and creatively across subjects like English, History, Creative Writing, Fine Art, and Media.
Whether exploring the past, shaping future policy, telling powerful stories, or creating inspiring work, our students develop the skills and confidence to contribute meaningfully to society and the creative industries.
Together, the College of Health and Humanities delivers a rich, interdisciplinary environment where students gain the skills, experience, and inspiration to make a meaningful impact in society.
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About the Role
Sport and Exercise Science at University of Derby covers physiology and psychology; biomechanics and performance analysis; strength, conditioning and rehabilitation; sport management; sport education and coaching. The discipline focuses on performance sports, exercise and recreational sports, and physical activity for health and wellbeing. We engage with industry and ensure impact through our applied provision across a broad range of professional, semi-professional and amateur sport organisations across Derbyshire, including Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derby County Football Club, Derby Rugby Football Club, Derventio Swimming Club, Derbyshire Institute of Sport, and Active Derbyshire.
Our industry-informed and student-led approach, combined with our wide knowledge and skill set in a broad spectrum of areas within health and performance, drive industry standards and promote development, transition and independence. This creates a vibrant, exciting and inclusive place for our students to learn and allows our graduates to make a real impact in the health and sporting world.
The main purpose of the role is to provide dedicated operational and research support for the EMERGE RehabTech-funded thermal imaging feasibility study in primary care. You will support the day-to-day delivery of the project, including study setup, participant recruitment support, informed consent processes, data collection, thermal image management, questionnaire administration, data entry, and preliminary analysis.
As a Research Assistant, core duties will include working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, liaising with the participating GP practice and clinical team, supporting recruitment of eligible participants, ensuring accurate completion of case report forms, managing pseudonymised research data, assisting with MATLAB-based thermal image processing, supporting analysis of patient and clinician feedback, and contributing to reports, dissemination materials and academic outputs. Some travel between the University of Derby and the participating GP practice will be required.
Key deliverables will include supporting recruitment of up to 50 participants, maintaining high-quality and complete study records, supporting patient and clinician acceptability data collection, contributing to the feasibility and cost-comparison analysis, and helping prepare the final project report.
This role offers career development in applied health research, NHS research governance, primary care innovation, thermal imaging methods, patient-facing research, PPIE, data management, feasibility study delivery and health technology evaluation.
This is a fixed term contract for 8 months.
Anticipated interview date: Monday 21st September 2026
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About You
We are looking for a motivated and organised candidate with a good degree, or equivalent experience, in a relevant discipline such as sport and exercise science, physiotherapy, health sciences, psychology, biomedical science, public health or a related area. You will have experience of supporting research activity, collecting and managing data accurately, working with participants, and contributing to project delivery.
Essential skills include strong organisation, attention to detail, clear written and verbal communication, the ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and confidence using Microsoft Office/Excel. You must be able to follow research protocols, maintain confidentiality, handle data responsibly, and work professionally with academic, NHS and patient/public contributors.
No statutory professional registration is required, as the role will not provide clinical care or make clinical decisions. The non-negotiables are reliability, research integrity, excellent data handling, willingness to complete required research governance training, and the ability to travel to the participating GP practice when required.
Experience of NHS or clinical research, qualitative or quantitative data analysis, questionnaire administration, PPIE, thermal imaging, MATLAB, SPSS or health technology evaluation would be advantageous.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Dr Jack Parker, Assistant Head of Discipline for Sport and Exercise Science & Senior Lecturer in Sport Therapy & Rehabilitation via j.parker@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. Please visit our website for more information.
The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern. Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here.
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