Postdoctoral Research Fellow
This part time (0.6 FTE) post is available from 01/07/26. This post is offered on a permanent basis and is funded by UKRI ESRC until 30/09/2030, in the first instance. In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, our goal is to create more opportunities for career growth and stability for each employee.
The starting salary will be £43,482 (pro rata) on Grade F, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
The Role
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
The European Centre for Environment and Human Health part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a 0.6 FTE Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in METIUS (mobilising evidence through artificial intelligence and user informed synthesis) project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The post is available as soon as possible after 1/7/26, subject to finalisation of contracts/ collaboration agreement.
The overall aims of this project are to speed up how researchers gather analyse and summarise evidence; create easy to understand tools that help policymakers to use this evidence; launch pilot projects in key areas like education, crime and justice, international development and and climate, the environment and society, and to build global networks to support evidence-based decision-making, particularly in relation to meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This post will focus on issues related to methods development to address policy-scale evidence needs through advancing mixed methods systematic reviews and evidence syntheses. The post holder will work with the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence and the Campbell Collaboration, as well as the wider METIUS initiative, and a network of national and international decision-makers. As part of the Methods work package, co-led by Ruth Garside at the University of Exeter and Gavin Stewart at Newcastle University, the post holder will support the four sector focused work packages to produce quantitative and qualitative evidence synthesis products that meet policy maker need, and work closely with the work packages focusing on developing AI tools to the production of Living Evidence Synthesis, and working with end users.
Key tasks will include developing and using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods evidence syntheses, development of innovative approaches to policy-scale reviews, producing and delivering training material and guidance aimed at policymakers, funders and researchers, and liaison with policy makers.
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 evidence synthesis 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 develop systematic review training materials and evidence synthesis projects.
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.
