Postdoctoral Research Associate

This new part time (0.6 FTE) post is available from 1 May 2025 on a 9-month fixed-term basis.

The post
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an NIHR-funded project at the University of Exeter, focused on improving chronic pain management in older adults, particularly concerning the overprescribing of pain medications.

This project will address a pressing issue in healthcare: the high levels of medication prescribed to older adults for chronic pain, often for extended periods of time and often when unnecessary. Both healthcare professionals and the public have raised concerns about this overprescribing trend, which has increased significantly over recent decades. Over 40 percent of older adults are estimated to suffer from chronic pain, yet this population remains under-researched in terms of pain management practices.

The role involves contributing to the quantitative research arm of the project, which will analyse prescribing patterns and relationships related to chronic pain medication in older adults, particularly within the context of clinical and sociodemographic factors. By examining data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) for adults aged 65 plus in England who are prescribed pain medication, we aim to identify patterns in prescribing behaviour, changes over time, factors associated with pain medication use, and potential health outcomes. These analyses will support our efforts to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from targeted interventions and to inform the future co-design of a safer prescribing framework for chronic pain management in older adults.

This role is an excellent opportunity for a researcher interested in applied statistics and quantitative analyses to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults, contributing to evidence that will shape safer, more effective pain management practices. The post-holder will assist with planning and conducting the analyses, interpreting results, and writing up findings for publication. They will work with a Senior Research Fellow leading this arm of the project, with additional oversight from a senior academic GP and clinical pharmacologist.

This is a nine-month part-time fixed-term position at 3 days per week, with flexibility in working hours and hybrid working.

About you
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 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.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

Further information
For further information please contact Prof Rupert Payne, r.a.payne@exeter.ac.uk.

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