Research Associate in Cerebrovascular Physiology

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About the Faculty
The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the largest in the UK, bringing together expertise across biological sciences, sports sciences, chemistry, computing, engineering, mathematics, geography, and environmental sciences. The Faculty plays a central role in advancing the University's strategy through cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and strong partnerships with industry, government, and international collaborators. With a commitment to addressing global challenges - from sustainability and climate resilience to digital transformation and advanced materials - the Faculty delivers real-world impact while preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers to shape the future.

About the Department
The Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University is a dynamic hub for interdisciplinary research and education, committed to advancing human performance, health, and wellbeing. Strategically located in Manchester city centre, the department benefits from close proximity to other universities, major hospitals, and strong connections with football clubs and a wide range of sports organizations. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a 3 T MRI scanner, advanced physiology laboratories, and cutting-edge performance testing suites, providing researchers and students with unparalleled resources to investigate the science of sport and exercise.

About the Project
The project, titled Investigating the Impact of Football Heading on Cerebrovascular Function and Cognition: Implications for Dementia Prevention in Football Players, will explore how repeated football heading and long-standing football participation affects brain blood flow and cognitive function. Recent research shows that former professional football players are at substantially higher risk of developing dementia, potentially due to cumulative, mild brain injuries from heading. The project involves two complementary studies: the first will examine the immediate and 24-hour effects of football heading on cerebrovascular function in young adults, while the second will compare brain blood flow regulation in retired football players with individuals who have never played football. The long-term aim of the research is to identify the mechanisms linking football participation to cognitive decline and dementia risk, ultimately informing evidence-based strategies, guidelines, and interventions to protect brain health in footballers at all levels, as well as in individuals exposed to repetitive head impacts in other sports or occupational settings.

About the Role & Team
This project will be based at the Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, a world-leading institute with state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to pioneering research in sport, health, and wellbeing. The successful candidate will play a central role in delivering the project, contributing to day-to-day activities such as participant recruitment, data collection, experimental testing, and analysis of cerebrovascular and cognitive outcomes.

The project team is led by Dr. Tiago Peçanha (PI), Senior Lecturer in Cardiovascular Physiology at the Institute of Sport. The team also includes Dr. Greg Wood (Co-I; Reader in Sensorimotor Control) and Dr. Johnny Parr (Co-I; Senior Lecturer in Sport Psychology), both of whom bring extensive expertise in the effects of football heading on brain function. Other team members include Dr. Gabriella Rossetti, who provides expertise in neuroimaging, and Dr. Georgina Stebbings, an experienced sports physiologist with strong links to football. The project will also involve collaboration with external partners from across the UK and internationally, as well as with football organizations and professional athletes.

Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead and contribute to a research project investigating the impact of football heading on cerebrovascular function and cognition, with the aim of understanding mechanisms that may contribute to dementia risk in football players. Responsibilities include designing and conducting experimental protocols to measure brain blood flow and cognitive outcomes, managing participant recruitment and data collection for both acute and long-term studies, analysing complex physiological and neurocognitive data, and preparing findings for publication in high-impact journals. The role also involves collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, liaising with stakeholders in sport and health sectors, supporting knowledge translation into evidence-based guidelines, and contributing to training and mentoring of students or research assistants involved in the project.

Key Skills & Experiences
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in human physiology, neuroscience, or sport and exercise sciences, with experience in cerebrovascular or cognitive function assessment, experimental design, and data analysis. Proficiency with physiological monitoring technologies, cognitive testing batteries, and statistical software is essential, alongside experience working with human participants in research settings. Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills are required to coordinate multiple studies, engage with participants, and collaborate effectively with research teams and external stakeholders. A commitment to participant safety and advancing knowledge in brain health and sport science is also essential.

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

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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 Tiago Pecanha on T.Pecanha@mmu.ac.uk.

Following shortlisting, potential candidates will be invited for a panel interview in the w/c 17 November which will include delivery of a presentation (to be confirmed).

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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, including 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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