Senior Research Associate; Qualitative LIFT-PD feasibility trial

The role

The LIFT-PD feasibility trial is an NIHR-funded trial to investigate whether High Intensity Functional Training is acceptable, feasible and safe for people with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s is a progressive condition that affects movement and other bodily systems – for example, fatigue, changes in mood, balance problems, and stiffness. Whilst there is currently no cure, exercise has been shown to slow the progression of the condition and help manage symptoms. High Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) combines different types of exercise performed at high intensity to improve health and fitness.

The LIFT-PD trial aims to assess whether HIFT, delivered through existing (but non-NHS) services, is feasible, acceptable, and safe for people with Parkinson’s. The insights from this project will help us decide whether we can carry out a larger study to see whether HIFT improves Parkinson’s symptoms.

The qualitative study component aims to understand:

• Reasons for participation and feedback on recruitment processes and strategies
• Acceptability, feasibility, and safety of the study intervention
• Likelihood of continuing with the intervention after the study concludes
• Attractiveness of the control/active arm for future RCT design, including exploration of the acceptability of a “wait-list” RCT, and experience of potential contamination
• Barriers and facilitators to establishing high-intensity exercise into regular routine
• Experience of coaches/those delivering the intervention of working with the research team, research participants, and people with Parkinson’s

Hybrid working is available: expectation to be available to meet on campus as required – interviews can be conducted remotely. Participants have option to have interviews in-person, so some availability in the Bristol area would be preferable.

Over the next 12 months you will undertake:

• Study set-up: working with the CI and exercise delivery centres to invite potential participants
• Data Collection: develop an interview topic guide with the patient advisory group and the CI. Undertaking in-depth semi‑structured qualitative interviews via telephone, video conferencing software, and in‑person with:
  • Approximately 10 trial participants (active arm)
  • Approximately 5 trial participants (control arm)
  • Approximately 5 trial non‑participants
  • Approximately 5 coaches involved in the delivery of the intervention
• Analysis: leading analysis of qualitative data. Contributing to overall trial analysis
• Dissemination and impact: writing up results for publications and presentations. Working with the patient advisory group to write a plain language summary of the study findings
• Trial administration and trial management: assisting and contributing to the day‑day running of the trial as needed, working with the wider project team to successfully deliver LIFT‑PD.

• You have a good honours degree (or equivalent) in health or social sciences
• You have a relevant post‑graduate research degree (e.g., MA, MSc or PhD in social or health sciences, or have equivalent professional qualifications/experience)
• You have experience of leading qualitative data collection and analysis
• You have excellent communication and team‑working skills
• You have experience of leading or contributing to the management of a research trial or project
• You have a track record of excellence in research project administration and delivery
• You are excited about undertaking research to understand the experience of people with Parkinson’s, with the goal of ultimately improving patient experience through exercise and physical activity interventions

Contract type:
Open‑ended with funding for 12 months

Work pattern:
Part‑time/0.2 FTE

Shift pattern: 7 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 25/01/2026

For informal queries please contact:
Dani Pendry‑Brazier, d.,  (Senior Research Associate)

£43,482 to £50,253. Grade J / Pathway 2, per annum pro‑rata