Research Associate (UK Sport - Generations)

Loughborough University; Loughborough; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job description

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.

We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website.

Job details

Job title: Research Associate (UK Sport - Generations)

Job reference: REQ250303

Date posted: 10/04/2025

Application closing date: 20/04/2025

Location: Loughborough

Package: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35116

School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences

Part-time (18.5 hrs per week); Fixed-term for 20 months

This research project critically investigates the concept of generations in sport, with a focus on athlete and coach development across diverse sporting contexts. It challenges the widespread use of generational categories that oversimplify complex individual and systemic differences and seeks to understand how generational narratives shape practice, policy, and culture in sport. The project aims to inform more evidence-based, inclusive, and context-sensitive approaches to athlete and coach development.

We are seeking a Research Associate to support a qualitative research project examining the role of generational thinking in sport. The successful candidate will work closely with the lead researchers to assist in data collection, analysis, and dissemination. The role requires strong organisational skills, familiarity with qualitative research methods, and an interest in sport, social theory, or athlete development.

This part-time post is offered on a fixed-term contract for 20 months.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Chris Cushion via email [e-mail]

Application closing date: 20 April 2025

Loughborough University is committed to allowing its employees to work dynamically with a combination of working on campus and remotely, where possible. This has been identified as a role that could work dynamically and, if successful, your line manager will discuss these informal arrangements with you. Please note that there is a general expectation that the successful candidate will spend the majority of time working on the Loughborough campus.

We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage.