We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary research team investigating the biological mechanisms underpinning fatigue and post-exertional symptom exacerbation in Long COVID and related post-infectious conditions. The successful candidate will carry out participant recruitment, physiological assessments, biological sample collection and processing, symptom monitoring, data management, and project coordination. Responsibilities will include delivery of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), autonomic assessments, wearable technology deployment, participant follow-up, and support for laboratory procedures and data integration activities. The postholder will work closely with collaborators at Loughborough University, Imperial College London, and international partners.

We are looking for an individual with a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science, Physiology, Biomedical Science, Health Sciences, or a related discipline, with experience of conducting research involving human participants. Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Experience of physiological testing, biological sample processing, data analysis, and working with individuals living with chronic health conditions would be advantageous.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-profile programme of research with the potential to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Long COVID and related conditions, while working within a supportive and collaborative research environment.

About the University

Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.

At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.

About the Department

The School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS) is a multi-disciplinary school committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. It upholds the highest standards of excellence in research, innovation, and pedagogy across the full spectrum of disciplines within sport, exercise, health and wellbeing.

About You

You will have a degree in Sport and Exercise Science, Physiology, Biomedical Science, Psychology, Health Sciences, or a related discipline, together with an PhD and experience of conducting research involving human participants. You will possess excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills, and be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. We are looking for someone enthusiastic about clinical and translational research, with a particular interest in fatigue, post-exertional symptom exacerbation, Long COVID, and related post-infectious conditions, and who is motivated to contribute to innovative research with the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Why should you Apply?

With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow.

If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Mark Faghy, Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, via email to m.a.faghy@lboro.ac.uk.

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

Closing Date: 25 October 2026

Application Process

For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments you’d like to request, please contact Professor Mark Faghy using the email above. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.

Our Benefits

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.