Senior Post-doctoral Research Associate in Mindfulness with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

We are seeking applications for a Senior Post Doctoral Research Associate to work within our Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences.

About the Department
As part of a thriving research environment the Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate will join a research team that is implementing novel interventions for improving the lives of those with muscular dystrophy. With ongoing and recent projects investigating the benefits of resistance training, hydrotherapy and nutritional interventions, this project on mindfulness interventions will draw upon our internal links with the Department of Psychology, and a 15-year collaboration with The Neuromuscular Centre (Winsford, UK) to further the understanding of how best to support those with Muscular Dystrophy. The candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team of psychologists, physiologists, clinicians and sociologists, to undertake an exciting 14-month project, engaging directly those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

About the Project
Mental health issues and bodily pain are prevalent within men and young adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), part of the multifaceted contributory factors to depression, anxiety and ultimately a lower quality of life (QoL). Current standards of care lack evidenced based interventions for participant directed self-management of mental health, pain and QoL. Based on our development of mindfulness-based interventions for health in Spinal cord injury, this project will conduct a within-participant control intervention of mindfulness for pain, depression and anxiety in non-ambulatory men and young adults with DMD. The participants will be assessed for health outcomes before and after the intervention, with the research associate leading the analysis of both quantitative surveys and undertaking and analysing qualitative semi-structured interviews with the participants.

The research project is being led by Dr Christopher Morse within the Institute of Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University. Funding for this project is provided by Duchenne UK.

About the Role & Team
As a 14-month fixed-term contract, the successful candidate will undertake the recruitment and assessment of participants (men and young adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy) as part of an investigation of how longitudinal mindfulness intervention may benefit participant health. The candidate will liaise with a mindfulness charity (Breathworks, UK) to implement the mindfulness intervention to the participants and ensure their engagement with the intervention.

The role will involve day-to-day management of the project, undertaking recruitment both online and through working with our research partner the Neuromuscular Centre (Winsford, UK) to increase project awareness. Through this collaboration and participant interaction, the candidate will ensure the project delivers an intervention and outcomes that are meaningful to the participants. The candidate will lead the assessment of participants through online surveys and semi-structured interviews.

Key Responsibilities
The Senior Postdoctoral research associate will be responsible for:

• Participant recruitment.
• Participant assessment through online surveys and semi-structured interviews.
• Participant engagement with the mindfulness intervention.
• Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data generated from the project.
• Compiling a report to the funding body at the halfway and end of the project.
• Preparing a mixed methods article from the findings of the project.

Key Skills & Experiences
The successful candidate should have:

• Experience of undertaking qualitative or mixed methods research projects, ideally with clinical populations.
• Excellent participant interaction skills, as participant engagement is essential to the success of this project.
• A publication record in an associated field.

To learn more about role and requirements, please read the Job Description (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button).

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you!

Application & Assessment Process:

• To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability, on the application portal.
• For informal enquiries, about this vacancy, please contact Dr Christopher Morse on c.morse@mmu.ac.uk.
• Please be aware that only applications including a cover letter may be considered at shortlisting stage.
• Shortlisted candidates will be required to deliver a presentation, followed by a panel-interview.

We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone's contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day!

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

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