Postdoctoral Research Fellow

 Faculty of Health and Life Sciences 

This post is available immediately on a fixed-term basis until October 2025. 

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours with flexibility between 0.6-1.0 full time equivalent. The role can be delivered in a hybrid manner with an expectation to attend regular key meetings on site at the University of Exeter St Luke’s Campus. 

The post  

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in research into cardiovascular ageing using big data and bioinformatics using clinical data cohorts. The research is part of a wider National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded project aiming to identify the causes, mechanisms and outcomes of longitudinal BP declines in older age and test whether longitudinal BP data could aid early detection of conditions such as heart failure, cancer or dementia or identify those at increased risk of adverse outcomes. 

This NIHR funded post is available immediately for two years full time equivalent duration. It benefits from the infrastructure of the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre on site at the University of Exeter and a strong network of internal and external collaborators. 

The successful applicant will  

• Work with the team to develop analysis protocols to address specific research questions using data from CPRD and UK Biobank. 

• Conduct detailed epidemiological analysis of this large-scale data, which includes genetic data, and routine healthcare data from primary and secondary care.  

• Conduct Mendelian randomisation analysis using UK Biobank data. 

• Write academic papers with the research team based on analysis. 

• Drive research development through development of proposals for further research grants. 

• Identifying further sources of funding and contributing to the process of securing funds; 

• Conducting and managing individual or collaborative research projects; 

• Support dissemination through conference attendance and presentation. 

• Work alongside Public and Patient collaborators to co-develop research and to ensure public-facing scientific message and development of research is appropriate. 

• Contribute to teaching within the research team, including supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate student placement 

• Act as research team leader including: 

• Mentoring colleagues with less experience and advising on their professional development; 
• Coaching and supporting colleagues in developing their research techniques; 
• Supervising the work of others, for example in research teams or projects; 
• Developing productive working relationships with other members of staff; 
• Co-ordinating the work of colleagues to ensure equitable access to resources and facilities; 
• Dealing with standard problems and helping colleagues to resolve their concerns about progress in research. 

About you 

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events. 

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in epidemiology or statistical methods and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be experienced in working with healthcare data, epidemiology and statistical methods. They will have enthusiasm for health-related research, a high work ethic and the ability to work with a team both within the university and with external collaborators. They should have excellent time management skills. Applicants should have high quality written and verbal communication and the ability to present to audiences with different levels of experience in both written and oral presentations. 

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

What we can offer you 

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research; 
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly  
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development 
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career 
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy 
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon  

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 2023 and the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities released by Shanghai Rankings).   

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. 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 are using the power of our education and research to create a sustainable, healthy and socially just future.  Our shared purpose and vision continually moves us forward to make a difference to our people, our communities, our partners and the world around us.  Read about our world leading research on 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 City of Literature  

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment 

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. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 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 and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.  

For further information please contact Dr Jane Masoli, e-mail [email protected]