Postdoctoral Research Fellow/ Postdoctoral Research Associate

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences 

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

This role may be subject to additional background screening. 

Please note that as of 1st September 2022 our colleges and schools will be moving into a new structure which will consist of the following three Faculties – Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, (to include the Medical School),  Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, and Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. 

Summary of the role

The Post

The College wishes to recruit two Research Associates/ Fellows with strong quantitative skills at Postdoctoral level to undertake or lead data analytical research projects to investigate the links between human birth weight, gestational duration and associated adverse outcomes, for both mother and baby. One post, funded by the Wellcome Trust, is available from 01/10/2022 to 30/09/2025 (P73066). The other post, funded by NIH, is available from 01/10/2022 to 30/09/2024 (P81361). The roles require similar skills and experience, so applicants may be considered for both; please indicate on your application form if you have a preference for one role or the other. Each successful applicant will develop and apply research ideas and methods to large-scale datasets, aiming to use genetics (maternal, fetal and paternal) to understand the causes and consequences of pregnancy outcomes related to fetal growth. The data will include genome-wide genotype and exome sequence data, in addition to detailed pregnancy and birth phenotypes. The successful applicants will work with international collaborators, but will be based in a diverse research team in Exeter, under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Rachel Freathy. 

The posts will include all aspects of data-driven research projects, including developing ideas and methods, acquiring appropriate data, involving the public and patients, performing data analysis, collaborating with others working on the research programme, dissemination (including writing research papers), supervising and supporting more junior staff and students, developing further funding, and contributing to teaching and staff development. 

About you

The successful applicant will be able to develop, or aid the development of, research objectives, projects and proposals; present information on research progress and outcomes; communicate complex information orally and in writing; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess (or be nearing completion of) a PhD in human genetics or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study, and be educated to first degree level or above in a strongly quantitative subject including (but not limited to) mathematics, statistics, physics or computer science. The successful applicant at Grade F will be an internationally recognised researcher in his or her field, as shown by highly-cited publications, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. They will also be able to supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Both successful applicants will require strong data skills, including statistical analyses and precise handling of very large datasets, and be able to work collaboratively with diverse team members and external collaborators.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including: 

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Dr. Rachel Freathy, e-mail [email protected] .

The closing date for completed applications is 8th September 2022.

Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 19th September 2022. 

The College is proud to have a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment and impact to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects.  Our Inspiring Stories tell you more about how we support our staff, including through a mentoring programme to help our staff learn from the professional and life experience of colleagues and explore opportunities and actions for career progression.