Research Fellow (SHAPES)

Coventry University is inviting applications for a Research Fellow role in the area of design for health.
The post-holder will be based within the multi-disciplinary Well-being and the Arts theme within the Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities. They will undertake research in collaboration with NIHR Devices for Dignity MedTech Cooperative (D4D), specialists in developing health technologies with, and for, people of all ages with long-term conditions to help improve independence and quality of life.
This role contributes to the NIHR Invention for Innovation (i4i) funded project ‘A new therapy for post-stroke arm spasticity: Sheffield Adaptive Patterned Electrical Stimulation (SHAPES)’ The project aims to design, develop and evaluate a new therapy device for use soon after a stroke to treat post-stroke elbow spasticity. The damage caused by a stroke can arm muscles hard to control; they can become weak and stay tight when they should relax. This can be painful and limit free movement.
The post holder will focus on the design, usability, and acceptability of the therapy device to ensure that it is easier to wear and use at home. They will undertake qualitative research studies to determine user needs (e.g., interviews, focus groups), co-design and develop the device (e.g., developing new arm-sleeve designs and prototype controls to enable one-handed use), and carry out user testing and evaluation.
Applicants will have a PhD or equivalent experience in a design-related subject, and have good knowledge of qualitative research methods. Co-creation and usability experience will be important to demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively to the project.

For more information on the Centre for Arts, Memory and Communities see https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/centre-for-arts-memory-and-communities/
Informal enquiries about this post should be addressed to prof Louise Moody ([email protected] )

To view job description and person specification please click here.