This is a very exciting opportunity to work on an Innovate UK funded project designed to develop and test the effectiveness of a chair-based sensor (Fyt) in reducing sitting time and poor posture among older workers. The successful applicant will be based at the Centre for Innovative Ageing. The centre is recognised worldwide for its work in social and environmental gerontology and is designated as a Centre of Excellence for both teaching and research under the International Association of Geriatrics and Gerontology (IAGG) Global Ageing Research Network scheme. The Centre for Innovative Ageing is situated in the wider Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science which is committed to tackling global challenges and improving the health, wealth and wellbeing of society. The faculty has a vibrant, multidisciplinary research community which attracts prestigious research funding from funders such as the UKRI, HDRUK, ADRN and MRC. The research outputs of the faculty are consistently rated as world leading the Research Excellence Framework.

With life expectancy on the rise and governments keen to extend working lives, there is a business need for employers to provide healthy workplaces to support people to be in good quality, fulfilling work, for as long as possible. However, there is still much to be done to achieve these goals. Sitting for long periods at work can have a negative impact on our health. Even before the Covid-19 outbreak adults of working age in the UK sat for an average of 9.5 hours a day. This has worsened as many people were forced to work from home as a result of the pandemic. Surveys have shown that over half of those working from home say that they are working longer hours and taking fewer breaks and around 90% report more health problems, e.g. a stiff neck and back pain, since the beginning of the pandemic. Fyt is a workplace wellness system that incorporates innovative sensor technology and advanced data tracking to address the physical and mental health issues associated with excessive workplace sitting. It is compatible with any chair and combines innovative sensor technologies with clear feedback which allows users to monitor their posture and movement to promote better health at work. This project will use a mix of online surveys and ecological momentary assessments to examine the effectiveness of the Fyt system in reducing sedentarism and improving health and wellbeing.

The postholder will be expected to have experience of conducting survey research, managing large, complex datasets; conducting multivariate analysis; contributing to academic publications; presenting findings at conferences and seminars; liaising with key stakeholders; and, working independently.

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all of its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

We have an under-representation of men in the area of research and would particularly welcome applications from men for this position. We also have an under representation of individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and would encourage applications from these groups. Appointments will always be made on merit.

Please note this job is also being advertised to a pool of colleagues internally as part of our University commitment to employee redeployment. Should this post be filled from this route then you will receive an email confirming this. If you do not receive an email, please assume that your application is still in process.

Further Information

The following link provides further information on the benefits of working in Swansea University: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/personnel/new-staff/benefits-of-working-at-swansea/