Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK research university seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate for a part-time role focusing on gut microbiome research. The candidate will conduct literature reviews, prepare reports, and contribute to stakeholder presentations. A relevant PhD is required, alongside skills in evidence synthesis and strong communication abilities. This role offers the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Benefits

Support for intellectual interests

Maternity and paternity leave benefits

Access to a beautiful campus

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to conduct reviews and synthesize evidence.
• Experience with bibliographic software and databases.
• Strong knowledge of gut microbiome research and nutrition science.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a narrative review on gut microbiome manipulation.
• Prepare literature review and technical reports.
• Support project meetings and stakeholder presentations.

Skills

Conducting narrative or systematic reviews

Proficiency in bibliographic databases

Strong skills in evidence grading

Knowledge of nutrition science

Excellent organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Education

PhD or equivalent qualification in a related field

Tools

EndNote

Covidence

Rayyan

Job description

Overview

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences - Public Health and Sport Sciences

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Ref. No Q08838) – Part-time (0.5FTE) post is available on a fixed-term basis until 12 October 2026, within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Salary Details

The above part-time post is immediately available on a fixed-term basis until 12th October 2026, within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of Prof Joanne Bowtell, Dr Raquel Revuelta Iniesta, and Dr Luciana Torquati (Principal Investigator). This Dstl-funded post is available from October 2026 for a period of 12 months (0.5 FTE).

The successful applicant will undertake two main strands of work:

1. Conducting a comprehensive narrative review to identify mechanisms by which gut microbiome manipulation (via prebiotics, probiotics, or synbiotics) may influence cognitive and physical performance.
2. Reviewing the evidence base for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) pre and probiotics to identify suitable interventions that may influence cognitive and physical performance.

The post will involve:

• Conducting a comprehensive narrative review of the scientific literature to identify mechanisms by which gut microbiome manipulation through prebiotics and probiotics may influence cognitive and physical performance.
• Reviewing the evidence base for commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) pre- and probiotics.
• Preparing written outputs, including interim updates, a final literature review report, and a technical report for stakeholders.
• Attending and contributing to regular project meetings with the Dstl technical partner and the academic supervisory team, including presenting evidence summaries and interpretation of findings.
• Supporting the preparation of a stakeholder presentation to summarise project findings and recommendations.
• This is an exciting opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team spanning nutrition, physiology, and human performance science, with direct impact on the optimisation of health and performance.

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 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.

Essential skills and knowledge

• Demonstrated experience in conducting narrative or systematic reviews, including search strategy design, screening, critical appraisal, and synthesis of findings.
• Proficiency in using bibliographic databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE) and reference management or evidence-synthesis software (e.g., EndNote, Covidence, Rayyan).
• Strong skills in evidence grading and interpretation, with ability to evaluate quality, strength of evidence, and relevance to applied research settings.
• Knowledge of nutrition science, gut microbiome research, and/or human performance physiology, with understanding of links between diet, microbiome, and cognitive/physical outcomes.
• Ability to manage, analyse, and synthesise large volumes of scientific evidence into clear outputs (tables, figures, narrative summaries, reports).
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, including the ability to work independently and to deadlines.
• Strong communication skills for engaging with academic and non-academic stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Previous publications in nutrition, physiology, microbiome, or related fields.
• Experience preparing outputs to peer-review publication standards.
• Experience delivering presentations to diverse audiences, including policymakers and practitioners.

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

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and 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 supporting 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, St Luke's Campus.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the 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 world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research - Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

For further information please contact Dr Raquel Revuelta Iniesta, e-mail [e-mail]

The closing date for completed applications is 21st October 2025 at midnight. Interviews are expected to take place shortly after the closing date.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.