About the role
We are seeking a motivated and skilled Researcher to join the RadioMe project - an innovative health technology initiative aimed at supporting people with dementia to live independently in the community. RadioMe uses biosensors to detect signs of agitation and delivers personalised music interventions to help manage symptoms and enhance quality of life.
The project has recently completed pilot testing, and you will lead the analysis, write-up, and dissemination of the findings. This role requires a researcher confident in applying mixed-methods approaches to analyse a diverse range of data, including qualitative interviews, pre- and post-intervention quantitative measures, field notes, and biometric data.
RadioMe is a £2.7 million project that uses artificial intelligence to adapt and personalise live radio, with the aim of transforming the lives of people living alone with dementia. It addresses key causes of hospital admission for people with dementia, such as agitation and not taking medication correctly. As a result, it is hoped quality of life will improve and people will be able to remain living independently at home for longer. Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), it capitalises on the popularity of radio among the age group most likely to be living with dementia, developing a way to seamlessly 'remix' live digital broadcast so that listeners receive personalised reminders, information and music.
Specifically, RadioMe generates an audio output which is a semi-real time remix of the local radio stream; and a simplified computer interface allowing the people with dementia/carer to monitor and adjust the system. Within the base-station there are four processes: 1) analysis of the radio stream to find opportunities to insert/replace with anti-agitation interventions and audio reminders; 2) conversion of diary reminders into radio DJ-like announcements using a speech synthesizer; 3) short-term statistical analysis of bio-sensor data for agitation detection; and 4) when agitation is detected, then the next time music is to be played it is replaced with personalized relaxing music in a way that sounds natural.
RadioMe is led by the University of Plymouth's Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research (ICCMR) and Centre for Health Technology, in collaboration with the Glasgow Interactive Systems group at the University of Glasgow, and the Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research at Anglia Ruskin University.
For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools
This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until 31st August 2025 in the first instance due to funding. There may be the possibility of a short extension, subject to funding approval.
For this role, you will need to be on site 1 day a week. Although we can accommodate hybrid working, flexibility to be on-site will be expected depending on business needs.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Nicolas Farina by email at nicolas.farina@plymouth.ac.uk.
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you¼ be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today global challenges.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Anticipated Interview Date(s): 26th June 2025
Our Offer
Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.
When joining us, you will receive:
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.
We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented communities at the University of Plymouth, such as people with disabilities, ethnically diverse and LGBT+.