Research Associate in Thermal Physiology

Full-time, 3-year fixed-term contract.

Loughborough University is an amazing place to work. We’re ranked top ten in every national league table and a hold a global reputation for sporting excellence. 

With an atmosphere of determination, ambition, and desire to make a difference, our collaborative environment inspires both staff and students to be the very best they can be. With over 3,000 members of staff, you can expect huge variety and new opportunities every day.

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
The Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre is seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised Research Associate to join us on an exciting project investigating the thermal physiological and perceptual responses of children. This is part of a 3-year EPSRC-funded sChOOL YARD project—a collaboration with the Universities of Kent, Brunel, and UCL. The project aims to develop climate resilient outdoor spaces for children. Loughborough leads the physiological data collection, focusing on how children thermally respond to the range of seasonal environmental climates during outdoor activity.

The successful candidate should be able to design and implement research protocols, conduct studies with children in climatic chambers, and manage participant recruitment. Responsibilities also include data analysis, ethics applications, literature reviews, and contributing to project reports and publications. The role further involves supporting lab operations, supervising student projects, and collaborating with academic and industry partners. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research shaping the future of school environments.

Key Requirements:

• PhD (or near completion) in physiology, environmental ergonomics, or a related field.
• Experience with human participant research (ideally with experience of working with children) and thermal physiology.
• Strong analytical and statistical skills.
• Excellent communication and organisational abilities.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Simon Hodder, via email to s.hodder@lboro.ac.uk or by telephone to 01509 223685.

Our Benefits:

• Generous annual leave allowance up to* 44 days (inclusive of Bank Holidays & University closure days).
• Competitive pension schemes.
• A range of childcare support initiatives and benefits including childcare vouchers; on-site university nursery (with salary sacrifice scheme); and holiday play schemes.
• We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies.
• BUPA Cash Plan (100 scheme).
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Season ticket loan scheme.
• On campus parking with charging points for electric vehicles.
• Fantastic range of sports facilities and preferential membership packages available.
• Fantastic CPD and inclusive resources for development.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 1st October 2025 at midnight, interviews will be conducted week commencing 13th October 2025.

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

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