Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate or Research Fellow
This Wellcome Trust-funded full-time post is available from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2029. The University wishes to recruit one outstanding researcher to join the Healthy Reproductive Ageing (HERA) project, a pioneering programme at the forefront of women's health research. Working with precious human fetal and adult ovarian tissue samples, this research aims to transform our understanding of female reproductive ageing and ovary-centric diseases through the application of cutting-edge multi-omics technologies.
This position is being advertised at three levels and only one appointment will be made. The appointment level will depend on the successful candidate's qualifications, skills and experience:
Graduate Research Assistant (Grade E) – The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
Applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
Postdoctoral Research Associate (Grade E) – The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes. Applicants will be able to insert skills and knowledge required.
Research Fellow (Grade F) –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 possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in insert subject area 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.
The starting salary for Graduate Research Assistant is from £33,951 on Grade E, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
The starting salary for Postdoctoral Research Associate is from £34,610 on Grade E, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
The starting salary for Research Fellow is from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
The Role
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a researcher to support the work of Professor Anna Murray on the Healthy Reproductive Ageing (HERA) project, a major Wellcome Trust-funded programme investigating the genetic and biological mechanisms underlying female reproductive ageing and ovary-centric disease.
The successful applicant will join the Epigenomics Group at the University of Exeter and be based in the Research, Innovation, Learning and Development (RILD) building. Working closely with Professor Murray and Professor Jonathan Mill, the post holder will contribute to the molecular profiling of human fetal and adult ovarian tissue using cutting-edge multi-omics approaches.
The role offers an exciting opportunity to work with rare and valuable human ovarian tissue samples and generate novel insights into the biological mechanisms underpinning women's reproductive health. The successful candidate will contribute to laboratory and data-driven research, scientific publications, and collaborations with leading national and international research partners.
To learn more about the research groups and projects, please visit:
- Epigenomics Group: https://www.epigenomicslab.com/
- Healthy Reproductive Ageing (HERA): https://www.reproductiveageing.com/
About You
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a background in molecular biology, genetics, genomics, reproductive biology or a closely related discipline, and a strong interest in advancing women's health research.
You will possess qualifications appropriate to the level of appointment and have experience of, or a keen interest in, molecular and genomic research. You will be an excellent communicator, able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, and eager to contribute to an ambitious and collaborative research programme.
Please ensure you read the relevant Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for full details of the role and level of appointment.
Further Information
For an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact Professor Anna Murray at [email protected].
Please note: Applications are welcome from candidates at Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate and Research Fellow level. Following interview, the successful candidate will be appointed to the grade most appropriate to their qualifications, skills and experience. Only one appointment will be made.
Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
What we can offer you:
- Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
- Support teams that understand the University wide 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 supports 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/Cornwall.
How we can help
If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at
[email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.
