Academic Associate - Sport

Contract duration: 4 years

Closing date: Sunday 7^th June 2026 at midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 24^th June 2026

Introduction to YSJ

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

The School

The School of Science, Technology and Health has a focus on high quality equitable, diverse and inclusive teaching and learning. Sport is a vibrant department within the School and we currently offer a range of programmes across foundation year, undergraduate and postgraduate levels of study.

The Team

We are seeking to appoint an Academic Associate into our Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health (PAtCH) research group. You will complete your PhD in four years whilst contributing a maximum of 6-8 hours contact time per week to the taught curriculum on our Sport and Exercise Science programme.

The Role

The successful candidate will undertake a PhD in our research group, in the area of cardiovascular physiology either in the theme of exercise and health or sports performance. The PhD includes ultrasound derived markers of cardiac and/or vascular structure and function, although prior ultrasound skills are not essential, as full training will be provided. Any appointment will be conditional upon acceptance to a PhD programme at York St John University.

Key Requirements

• An honours degree (2:1 or above) and a postgraduate masters degree from a UK HEI, or an internationally recognised equivalent. The degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to the research.
• Knowledge and experience to teach on Sport and Exercise Science modules
• Excellent understanding of research methodologies
• A proven ability to work well both independently and with others in a research environment
• Willingness to learn and develop laboratory research skills. 
• A high standard of written English and the ability to communicate clearly in both academic (academic colleagues) and non-academic contexts (patients/participants) where and when appropriate. 

The Research

Please align your proposal to one of the topics of interest outlined below.

This PhD project aims to investigate the influence of physical activity and/or exercise training on cardiovascular structure and function across the age spectrum. Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to: 

• The interaction between ageing and exercise training on cardiac adaptation.
• Cardiac structure, function and mechanics in the athletic heart.
• The influence of regular physical activity and/or exercise training on the vascular health of middle-aged and older adults using ultrasound. 

Additional information

Supervisory Team:

Dr Alex Beaumont: a.beaumont1@yorksj.ac.uk (main supervisor) 
Dr Sophie Carter: s.carter@yorksj.ac.uk 
Dr Amy Campbell: a.campbell@yorksj.ac.uk 

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Alex Beaumont, Associate Head of School (Sport), a.beaumont1@yorksj.ac.uk
It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and a presentation. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.
Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

When advertising this vacancy please use the link below for the 'Apply' button: jobs.yorksj.ac.uk/069-26

You can preview the vacancy on our website using the link below: jobs.yorksj.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?id=4400&forced=1

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