Graduate Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow
INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate/Research Fellow (depending on experience) (0.5 FTE) to support the work of Cornwall Health Determinants Research Collaboration. This NIHR funded post is available from 15 Sep 2026 to 31 Dec 2027. Please note that the funding for this role is subject to final finance approval.
In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.
Salary will be from £33,951 (pro rata) on Grade E (25) for the Graduate Assistant, from £34,610 (pro rata) on Grade E (26) for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £43,482 (pro rata) on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, subject to knowledge, skills and experience.
We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.
The Role
The HDRC in Cornwall aims to establish research-focused partnerships and ways of working in Cornwall Council and its communities and Universities to reduce health inequalities and improve the health of the residents of Cornwall, creating a culture of using research and evidence in the Council and communities of Cornwall for the good of all. The project is a partnership between the Universities of Exeter, Falmouth and Plymouth, Cornwall Council and the Cornwall voluntary sector.
The post will include undertaking a broad range of independent and collaborative research activity to support research objectives and projects. A key project within the wider portfolio is a realist, participatory qualitative project on accessible housing and how this can be provided in Cornwall.
The experienced and confident researcher will work with the HDRC Team to provide research support relevant to the HDRC, as needed and identified within the project by the University of Exeter project leads. They will be familiar with qualitative and participatory methods in research related to public health and will be able to communicate about research to a range of audiences. They will work well within a team and provide support with conducting qualitative research grounded in realist approaches, writing and disseminating research outputs, and administrative support. They will be committed to establishing internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding of the project partners and deliverables.
The post is based at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall. Flexible working can be considered in arrangement with your line manager.
About You
The successful applicant will have proven experience of qualitative and participatory research methods, stakeholder engagement and a strong grounding in health inequalities and the wider determinants of health. Responsibilities will vary depending on job grade and experience. 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 postgraduate/doctoral degree level in a health or related discipline 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. See specific job descriptions depending on grade for required level of experience. Applicants will be able to manage their day to day workload to deliver a range of tasks and projects to tight deadlines. They will be willing to work flexibly, creatively, cooperatively and ethically as a member of the HDRC team.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
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.
