Research Associate - Building Schools in Special Education

Job Title:
Research Associate - Building Active Schools in Special Education

Department/School:
School of Sport and Exercise Science

Campus:
Belfast, Coleraine or Derry~Londonderry (flexible - campus base to be agreed with successful candidate)

Salary: £33,020 per annum

Duration:
Fixed-Term until 6th April 2028 / Full-time

Closing Date: 11th March 2026 at 23:30

Reference Number: 041026

We are a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engagement, making a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.

Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer.

The post holder will be responsible for supporting an implementation mapping and feasibility study of a whole school approach to physical activity intervention in special education settings in Northern Ireland. They will support all aspects of the research project under the direction of the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators.

Funded by the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund, the study will test the development and effectiveness of strategies to support schools to implement a whole school approach to physical activity.

We may create a 12-month waiting list for the same or similar roles within the Department / Faculty. The University reserves the right to extend the waiting list across the University if required for certain posts.

The postholder will be required to have:

• A degree or equivalent in exercise/physical activity, health or a health-related area, or education.
• PhD (or near completion with thesis submitted) in a relevant area.
• Experience of undertaking a multidisciplinary research project using qualitative or quantitative methodologies.

Please find our employee benefits on our website.

The School of Sport and Exercise Science holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing Gender equality in higher education. You can read more about what this means on our University website. The University has a range of initiatives to support a family friendly working environment, including flexible working.

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities. Appointment will be made on merit.