Junior Research Physiotherapist

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Junior Research Physiotherapist

The closing date is 22 January 2026

This role is for a Junior Research Physiotherapist to join the Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre – Respiratory. You will be supporting ongoing studies within the department which could include qualitative, quantitative and systematic review methodologies. Studies focus on non‑pharmacological interventions in the management of respiratory diseases. You will be responsible for day‑to‑day running of studies and supervised by senior researchers.

To support research projects within the Centre for Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences delivering on time and to target. To contribute to study set‑up, recruitment, data inputting and analysis where applicable. To engage with public and patient involvement groups and work alongside a multidisciplinary team.

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023‑2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high‑quality care for all
• being a great place to work
• partnerships for impact
• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do – taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate
• we are proud
• we are inclusive
• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

• Support day‑to‑day running of trials
• Contribute to multiple study methodologies, qualitative, quantitative, systematic reviews.
• Support study recruitment
• Screen and assess participants
• Support data analysis and interpretation
• Support dissemination of results
• Contribute to the day‑to‑day running of the department.

• BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy or equivalent
• State Registered Physiotherapist with current HCPC registration
• Evidence of up‑to‑date professional portfolio with evidence of CPD and reflective practice
• Member of the Chartered Society for Physiotherapy or other special interest groups
• Research training

• Evidence of experience of working as part of a team
• Evidence of a wide range of student clinical placements, including experience of treating patients with respiratory, orthopaedic, medical and neurological conditions
• Understanding of research acquired through training, to degree level or additional clinical experience
• Evidence of involvement in research / audit
• Experience of working within an NHS Trust
• Evidence of experience of working with physiotherapy assistants / TI's

• Evidence of good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and non‑verbal, at all levels, in a variety of situations
• Evidence of ability to establish good working relationships and to work within a team
• Previous experience of writing abstracts or papers for publication

• Evidence of ability to evaluate own practice.
• Evidence of personal insight and reflection skills and evidence of awareness of own strengths and weaknesses
• Evidence of ability to clinically reason
• Ability to think strategically both long and short‑term
• Problem‑solving ability

• Knowledge of GCP (Good Clinical Practice) in relation to research
• A broad understanding of the issues currently affecting physiotherapy practice, including NHS knowledge and evidence of a commitment to personal development
• Evidence of self‑motivation / enthusiasm and the ability to motivate others
• Knowledge of the research consent process
• Evidence of a basic understanding of current governmental targets and guidelines
• Knowledge of Excel, SPSS or other statistical packages / databases

• Evidence of time‑management skills
• Evidence of ability to plan and prioritise own workload