Research Assistant

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.  
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here 

The Department

   The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences is a global leader across a range of sport and physical activity domains.  We are proudly ranked 3rd in the UK, in the Complete University Guide 2027, top 10 in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, 10th (GPA) in the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) and we are a QS World Top 100 department for sport related subjects. The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences offers a vibrant, inclusive and collegial environment for talented individuals to flourish, where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.    

The Role

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant in sport and exercise science with a particular emphasis on athlete health and welfare linked to body composition practices in sport. The post is part of an impact project titled Improving Body Composition Practice: Co‑Creating Educational Resources, CPD Materials, and Applied Implementation Tools which is funded by ESRC Impact Acceleration Award (IAA). The project is in partnership with the British Dietetic Association’s (BDA) Sport Nutrition Specialist Group (SNG) and other supporting stakeholders (Applied Body Composition Collaborative – ABCs). The project is led by Dr Lindsay Macnaughton, who will line manage the successful applicant, and aims to co‑create and disseminate practical, evidence‑based implementation resources and a short CPD workshop to support sport nutrition practitioners to apply and implement best‑practice recommendations and advance practice related to body composition in sport.

The successful applicant will be expected to organise and complete the key impact activities of the project which includes conducting a survey with the SNG members to assess implementation challenges, analyse and integrate findings to support the co-creation of resources and a pilot CPD workshop, delivery of the CPD workshop and follow up online sessions as well as recording impact activities.

Responsibilities:

• To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To analyse or undertake basic research and impact activities by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives. 
• To write up results of research and impact activities, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner. 
• To undertake and contribute to the required research and impact activities with the Principle Investigator, members of the partner organisation and supporting stakeholders. These activities include designing, conducting and analysing a survey, co-creation, development and refinement of written resources, co-creation, development and delivery of a pilot workshop. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To address problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator and the research team offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.   

This post is fixed term for 9 months as the funding is only available for that amount of time. Due to the partners and co-creators having additional roles we have opted for 0.5 FTE over 9 months to better fit with availability of the collaborators and supporting stakeholders. There are times when the post will require the successful applicant to be available in person to meet the project needs, outside of this remote and flexible working can be accommodated.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in their own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 2nd September. 

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

• You’ll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. 

• We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.

• We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

• Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.

• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

• Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information 

Department contact for academic-related enquiries 

Dr Lindsay Macnaughton, Associate Professor, Principal Investigator: Lindsay.s.macnaughton@durham.ac.uk
 

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email.  Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk 

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time.  We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).  

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process 

e.recuitment@durham.ac.uk

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• a CV and covering letter which clearly details how your experience, skills and achievements demonstrate you meet (or have the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system.  Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. 

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. We anticipate that the interviews will take place on the 10th August 2026. 

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.   

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• A good first degree preferably from a relevant subject area, such as sport and exercise sciences, health-related degree.
• A Masters degree preferable from a relevant subject area, such as sport and exercise sciences, any health-related degrees, etc. or equivalent experience 
• Experience in conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including the use of standard research methods across both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in team meetings.
• Ability to manage time effectively, capacity to work independently and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to liaise, develop and manage relationships with a range of stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of conducting high quality academic research.
• Experience of preparing academic papers.
• Experience in participatory research methods.
• Ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research. 
• Excellent initiative and flexibility in work style.