Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow
This full-time post is immediately available on a fixed term basis to cover maternity until April 2027.
The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E for the Postdoctoral Research Associate and from £43,482 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on qualifications and experience.
We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.
Please note that this role is subject to a DBS check. At the University of Exeter, we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff to share this commitment.
The Role
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
The Faculty wishes to recruit a temporary maternity cover Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow to support the work Mental Health theme of the NIHR ARC South West (PenARC). NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) support applied health and care research that responds to, and meets, the needs of local populations and local health and care systems. The ARCs aim to improve outcomes for patients and the public; improve the quality, delivery and efficiency of health and care services; and increase the sustainability of the health and care system both locally and nationally. PenARC is a collaboration between the Universities of Exeter, Bristol and Plymouth, with academic staff working across three sites. For more information about our work please visit: https://www.arc-swp.nihr.ac.uk/
Mental health problems are currently the single largest cause of disability in the UK and represent an ever-increasing burden across all ages of the population, and health and social care systems. Mental health research is an ongoing priority for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and for the NIHR. Currently, a large proportion of mental health research activity is focused in a small number of geographical locations, with significantly less activity in areas where mental health conditions are most prevalent. The NIHR encourages research to be conducted in populations with high mental health burden which have been historically underserved by research activity or where there is an unmet need. This disparity is significant in the South West region and the post holder will be integral in working with our partners to help overcome and address the issues facing our population.
About You
Postdoctoral Research Associate: 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 create and maintain relationships with mental health service providers, engaging these people and bodies in research activity to help build capacity.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: 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 recognised authority in mental health service research 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 able to create and maintain relationships with mental health service providers, engaging these people and bodies in research activity to help build capacity.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further information
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.
