Job Description

Job title: / Research Associate in Clinical Gait Biomechanics
Department/School: / Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA)/Department for Health
Grade: / 7
Reporting to / Professor James Bilzon
Location: / Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Headley Court, Epsom, Surrey
Job purpose
The Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA) is an exciting EPSRC funded large-scale research collaboration between the Department of Computer Science, the Department for Health and external partners at the University of Bath.
The CAMERA project has several work packages with each package is supported by a post-doctoral research assistant. In the Clinical Gait Biomechanics in Rehabilitation work package, we aim to translate computer science imaging techniques to create unobtrusive motion analysis methods to evaluate patient gait characteristics and movement in relevant populations over the course of rehabilitation and recovery from injury.
The principle aims of this post, which is initially for 15-months, is to support the research developments to translate computer science techniques to analyse patient gait characteristics, providing biomechanical input and understanding for this process. The successful candidate will run a clinical gait biomechanics service at DMRC Headley Court, collecting clinical research data as part of the service and publishing relevant high quality peer-reviewed articles.
The post holder is expected to work closely with all Centre staff, especially with lead investigators and existing post-doctoral research assistants (PDRA) based in Bath.
Source and nature of management provided
Work package leader (Professor James Bilzon, Department for Health) will provide the overall direction and line management for this post. Local support at DMRC will be provided by the Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation.
Staff management responsibility
None
Special conditions
The work may require some limited work outside the normal working pattern like early mornings, late evenings or weekends based on specific requirements of the project and its partners. Some national and international travel can be expected, particularly for conference attendance/presentations. DBS checks will be required for working with clinical patients on Ministry of Defence premises.
Main duties and responsibilities
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of the role. The duties and responsibilities, and the balance between the elements in the role, may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time, or due to changing needs in research. Jobholders should note that there may not be an immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.
1 / Provide biomechanical expertise and support for the research development of human gait analysis during rehabilitation within the CAMERA centre
2 / Carry out gait analysis research in line with the CAMERA centre objectives ensuring a commitment to the highest standards of ethics and integrity in research
3 / Liaise closely with and support other CAMERA centre staff working on related fields to the common benefit of the centre
4 / Write papers for publication in leading research journals and/or leading national/international conference proceedings or other outputs as appropriate
5 / Present research at national and/or international conferences and/ or at other appropriate events like workshops with partners
6 / Engage effectively in non-academic impact of research, including knowledge or technology exchange and/or public engagement activities, involving a range of partnerships with external organisations
7 / Provide assistance to relevant doctoral research student supervision
8 / Work closely with existing partners, particualrly at DMRC, enabling the clinical rehabilitation partners to gain benefits from the project
9 / Identify further funding sources and other expansion possibilities relevant to the CAMERA centre and provide assistance in securing these further resources
You will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature as reasonably required by your line manager. You are required to follow all University policies and procedures at all times and take account of University guidance.

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Person Specification

Criteria / Essential / Desirable
Qualifications
PhD in Biomechanics or related discipline
UG degree in Sport and Exercise Science or related discipline
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered / √
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Experience/Knowledge
Clear knowledge and understanding with some practical experience of current motion analysis systems (e.g. Vicon, Qualisys and/or Motus)
Understanding of biomechanical issues related to motion analysis systems and actual analysis of human movement
Experience of conducting gait analyses in relevant populations
Experience of liaising and providing support to patients and medical practitioners
Evidence of published research in quality peer reviewed journals and national and international conference presentations / √
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Skills
Ability to conduct human gait analyses, handle data and draw appropriate inferences
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, communication style and team working
An innovative research vision for development, implementation and delivery of successful research projects
Ability to deal appropriately with medical organisations, practitioners and patients
Excellent organisational and administrative skills with ability to work independently and on own initiative
Ability to form positive working relationships within the University, community, business and other partners
Ability to apply for ethical approval for research projects involving human volunteers
Basic computer programming skills (e.g. Matlab or equivalent) / √
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Attributes
Commitment to excellence in research
Commitment to working within professional and ethical codes of conduct
Proactive personality / √
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