Martin joins the the team as a Research Fellow, primarily working on the QUICK and PACFiND studies.
Martin joined the group in mid-February as a Research Fellow, working on a remote working basis, having recently completed his PhD at the University of Southampton. Prior to research, Martin has had careers in law, retail, tax, and learning design.
Tell us a bit about yourself
My route into research has been circuitous, but enjoyable. I’ve had a few different careers including law, retail, tax, and writing/designing learning material so have come to academia relatively late in life, however, I like to think the range of experience gathered in my prior careers is an asset in my current role. I’ve enjoyed working in research and am pleased to be developing these skills at the Epidemiology group at the University of Aberdeen. I have an interest in the relationship between work and health, having worked on the Health and Employment After 50 study (HEAF) for 6 years.
What will you be working on with the Epi Group?
I’m genuinely excited to be working on the QUICK and PACFiND projects, where I hope to utilise my qualitative research skills. I especially look forward to exploring the relationship between pain and work in order to build on my earlier research experience.
Are you currently involved in any other research?
My PhD was a nested sub-study in the Health and Retirement After 50 (HEAF) study, exploring the role of work factors in retirement decisions. The first paper from my PhD, reporting on the results from qualitative interviews with retirees has now been published (see Recent UK retirees’ views about the work-related factors which influenced their decision to retire: a qualitative study within the Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) cohort) and I hope to prepare more of my work for publication.
Why did you choose Aberdeen?
I knew the strong reputation of the Epidemiology group in Aberdeen through my work at the Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work (CMHW) and so was very eager to apply for a role here. I’m glad my new position will allow me to continue my association with the CMHW. I had never been to Aberdeen when I applied for the role, but I was already confident it was the right team for me. After my first visit in March, I wasn’t disappointed!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m a keen runner and running coach, although that’s taken a backseat after the recent birth of my son (the thought of running another marathon right now feels optimistic to say the least). Hopefully I can run on a more regular basis again when our sleep patterns become more regular. We’ve also just moved to Devon so I’m also keen to explore more of the south coast in the near future.