Postdoctoral Research Associate/Fellow

This new full-time post is available from 1 September 2025 until 31 August 2027 on a fixed term basis.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours (minimum 29.2 hours, 0.8 FTE).

The post

The Department of Psychology wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow to work on a project using genetic and molecular epidemiological methods to investigate cognitive function and dementia risk. This Academy of Medical Sciences funded post is available from 01/09/2025 for a period of 24 months. The successful applicant will analyse large-scale datasets, including UK Biobank, to identify proteomic associations with cognitive function, and use causal methodologies, including Mendelian randomisation, to investigate the proteomic basis of the link between cognitive function and dementia risk.

The post will include performing literature reviews, using advanced statistical methods, presenting findings at conferences, and preparing manuscripts for publication.

Opportunities for hybrid working can be discussed, however, please note that some on-campus working will be required.

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.

Research Associate: Applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. Applicants will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within this research programme.

Research Fellow: 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 genetic/molecular epidemiology, 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 analyse large datasets at an advanced level using R, interpret their findings in the context of the research literature, and communicate their findings via conference presentations and scientific publications.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.  

Further information

For further information please contact Dr. Rosie Walker, e-mail r.walker4@exeter.ac.uk.

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