Research Programme Lead – Physical Activity and Digital Health

Position: Principal Scientist – Physical Activity and Maternal Health Interventions

Location: London, UK (Hybrid working available)

Contract: Full-time

Please note: Only candidates with a PhD in Kinesiology or Exercise Science, Certified Personal Trainer status, and experience leading RCTs will be considered.

The Opportunity

We have an exceptional opportunity for a motivated and experienced Senior Research Scientist to lead groundbreaking research at the intersection of physical activity, maternal health, and digital innovation. This high-profile role focuses on developing and delivering advanced, evidence-based physical activity interventions during pregnancy and early motherhood, leveraging the latest advancements in wearables, mobile platforms, and digital health tools.

As part of a forward-thinking global initiative backed by significant funding, your research will play a crucial role in improving maternal and early childhood health worldwide. If you’re passionate about using your expertise to change lives and drive global impact, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, execution, and analysis of pioneering physical activity interventions for pregnant women and new mothers, with a key focus on digital tools and evidence-based practices.
• Develop and test innovative strategies (e.g. using wearables, mobile health platforms, or AI-enabled technologies) to measure and enhance physical activity and promote better health outcomes.
• Conduct and oversee Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) and other complex intervention studies, ensuring they meet rigorous scientific and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with leading academic experts, healthcare providers, and industry partners to translate research findings into real-world impact.
• Train, supervise, and mentor postgraduate researchers and junior team members in physical activity, exercise science, and digital health.
• Publish high-impact research articles and contribute to advancing global best practices in maternal health interventions.
• Contribute to securing external funding through grant writing and research collaborations.

About You

We’re looking for an accomplished and driven researcher with:

• A PhD in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field, with strong expertise in physical activity and maternal health interventions.
• Certified Personal Trainer status or equivalent qualifications in physical activity and exercise planning.
• Proven experience in designing and leading RCTs or complex physical activity studies, ideally with a focus on maternal health or related healthcare areas.
• A successful track record of impactful peer-reviewed publications and research funding.
• Practical knowledge of digital health innovations, including wearables, mobile platforms, or AI-enabled tools, and their application in research.
• Excellent leadership and team-building skills, including mentoring PhD students and managing collaborative projects.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is a rare chance to:

• Lead cutting-edge research in a globally funded programme focused on improving maternal and infant health.
• Work at the forefront of integrating physical activity, digital tools, and AI to create scalable interventions.
• Collaborate with world-class experts across academic, clinical, and technological fields.
• Make an immediate and measurable global impact on maternal and early childhood health outcomes.

Be a Catalyst for Change

This is your opportunity to lead transformational work that bridges health innovation, science, and technology. If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and shape the future of health research, apply now.

Join this mission-driven initiative and help revolutionise the way maternal and early childhood health is supported through innovative physical activity solutions.