Research Associate: Neural Control of Movement in Parkinson's Disease
Applications are invited for a Research Associate position funded by Parkinson’s UK and based in the School of Healthcare Sciences at Cardiff University Heath Park campus. The successful candidate will join the Research Centre for Clinical Kinesiology to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying movement in Parkinson’s disease.
Working with a highly novel experimental setup that combines transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex with the MOTEK Gait Real-time Interactive Laboratory (GRAIL), they will develop and validate a gait initiation task requiring inhibition of planned stepping movements. This task will be tailored for people with Parkinson’s and used to explore how inhibitory circuits in the primary motor cortex contribute to the release of stepping movements, comparing individuals with and without freezing of gait.
Responsibilities
* Develop and optimise a task that requires inhibition of planned stepping movements to be performed alongside brain stimulation within a globally unique experimental setup.
* Lead experimental studies using this task to evaluate the inhibitory circuits within the primary motor cortex that are involved in the release of planned stepping movements in people with Parkinson’s with and without freezing of gait.
* Work with external stakeholders to establish and lead a new patient advisory group to ensure meaningful patient involvement throughout the project.
* Engage with Parkinson’s UK, including conduct visits to local branches for study recruitment and dissemination activities.
* Coordinate, conduct, and report on patient and public involvement sessions at the University and in community settings.
* Undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including planning and organisation of the project and implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
* Prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate, including consideration of issues specific to vulnerable participants.
* Review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
* Produce measurable outputs including publishing in national academic journals and conferences.
* Participate in School Research activities and build and create networks internally and externally.
* Undertake personal and professional development that enhances performance.
Qualifications and Experience
* Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area.
* Established expertise and proven portfolio of research within human movement science, human motor control, or human neurophysiology with knowledge of brain stimulation methods (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation) or strong willingness to acquire expertise.
* Proven ability to develop and run laboratory-based protocols for human movement science or neurophysiology experiments, including integration of hardware and software, obtaining research ethics approvals for work with human participants, and collection and management of research data.
* Proven ability to publish in national/international journals and/or other research outputs.
* Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to develop applications to funding bodies.
* Effective and persuasive communication skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment.
* Ability to supervise the work of others and work without close supervision.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience within non-invasive brain stimulation or movement disorders.
* Evidence of research co-design with patient or public partners.
Position Details
Full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term, available from 1st November 2025 to 31st October 2028. Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6). Closing date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025.
Secondment opportunity welcome for Cardiff University staff members – permissions must be sought from current Line Manager before applying.
Equal Opportunity
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities age.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) – applicants will be evaluated on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published.
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