Research Associate in Climate & Health Evidence Synthesis

About the role

We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in evidence synthesis methods, and interests in automation/use of AI to join the Solace-AI team. The candidate will lead the development of next-generation evidence synthesis methods at the intersection of AI and systematic review science to tackle urgent climate-health challenges across the globe.

Solace-AI is a Wellcome Trust-funded initiative developing cutting-edge AI technology to transform how we synthesize and deliver research evidence during climate-related health emergencies. By automating the creation of rapid, scientifically-rigorous evidence syntheses, this groundbreaking project aims to provide decision-makers with timely, locally relevant research—particularly focusing on historically underserved communities affected by extreme weather events.

You will work closely with computer science teams and world-leading experts in AI, public health, and climate science across Africa, Europe, and North America to implement evidence synthesis methods in automated systems capable of handling complex research documents. This includes developing novel evaluation frameworks to assess AI performance in evidence synthesis tasks, while ensuring all outputs remain rigorous, relevant, and actionable for decision-makers and humanitarian organisations.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a project with significant potential impact on global health and climate change policy.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30th April 2027.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria

• PhD in Public Health, Evidence Synthesis, Epidemiology, or a related field *
• Experience conducting high-quality evidence synthesis (including systematic reviews, and scoping, rapid, umbrella reviews, and guidelines) using formal methodological approaches (e.g. narrative synthesis, evidence mapping), including application of appropriate tools and frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to work with complex research methodologies, e.g. creatively adapting research methods for new contexts, or developing innovative approaches to evidence synthesis challenges
• Strong publication track record as demonstrated through first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals and evidence of completing complex research projects to deadline
• Proven project management capabilities in handling multiple concurrent research projects, with documented evidence of meeting publication deadlines and research milestones
• Exceptional scientific writing skills demonstrated through published research papers and experience in effectively communicating research to different audiences including academic, policy, and public sectors
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively addressing areas of potential bias

*  Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with AI or machine learning applications in research synthesis, and/or participation in relevant societies (e.g., ICASR, Cochrane Tech, Evidence Synthesis Hackathon)
• Experience in evidence synthesis methods research, such as developing novel synthesis methods or conducting comparative evaluations of existing approaches
• Fluency with quantitative analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, or Stata) and data visualisation
• Knowledge of climate change and health research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries
• Experience in stakeholder engagement: working with policy makers, humanitarian organisations, and/or the public 

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