Research Officer - LOCAST

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

This is a Fixed Term post for 2 years working full-time.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate position to work on a prestigious 2-year UKRI-funded project based in the Vsimulators facility at University of Bath. This post is ideally suited to an individual with an interest in the application of human physiology research to real-world problems.
Employed at Swansea University, the successful candidate will be based full-time in Bath, as testing takes place in the VSimulators test facility that is located there. You will need to be at the University of Bath most days. 

You will join a highly interdisciplinary collaboration and work under the supervision of structural engineers (Prof Antony Darby at University of Bath and Prof Aleksander Pavic at University of Exeter), physiologists (Dr Jen Davies at Cardiff University) and psychologists (Prof Ian Walker at Swansea University, project lead) to build a comprehensive understanding of the how building motion affects humans and translate this into design guidelines for the construction industry. The world expects to see 41,000 more tall buildings by 2050. Constructing buildings accounts for at least 11% of all global carbon emissions. We urgently need to use a lot less material in tall buildings to reduce carbon emissions but cannot do this until we know how occupants will be affected by the resulting increase in building sway motion. We will provide this knowledge for the first time and translate it quickly into the actionable guidelines that the construction industry tells us are urgently needed.

The Vsimulators facility at University of Bath uses virtual reality projection and a moving hydraulic platform, combined with lighting, sound, temperature and airflow controls, to immerse people in a range of lifelike environments. The post holder will lead a project to simulate realistic building sway and measure physiological responses and psychological interpretations of these responses to understand when and how sway motion affects the body and the perception of movement. They will work closely with the rest of the team to design the experiment and will be primarily responsible for data collection (including participant recruitment), data processing and data interpretation, along with dissemination to academic and industrial stakeholders. They will be supported by and work closely with a full-time research assistant employed on the project. 

Applicants must have a PhD in human physiology, kinesiology or related discipline and an established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience in their specialist area. Applicants must also have experience running complex interdisciplinary projects.  Previous experience in the collection, processing and analysis of physiological data such as electromyography, reaction forces and centre of pressure, accelerometery, electrooculography, photoplethysmography, and/or electrodermal activity, along with computer programming skills is essential. Applicants must be highly motivated with excellent organisational skills, able to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. Previous experience working with industry is desirable.

The successful applicant will be joining a supportive, interdisciplinary team that crosses four Universities (Bath, Cardiff, Exeter and Swansea) and is committed to supporting the development of early-career researchers. Informal enquiries are welcomed – please get in touch with Dr Jen Davies (DaviesJ@Cardiff.ac.uk ).

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

We have an under-representation of men in the area of research and would particularly welcome applications from men for this position. We also have an under representation of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and would encourage applications from these groups. Appointments will always be made on merit.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.

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