Postdoctoral Research Associate – Maternity Cover

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support a trial evaluating cash transfers aimed at improving child health outcomes. The role requires a relevant PhD or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of qualitative methodologies. The position offers part-time options and a salary starting at £34,610, along with generous staff benefits.

Benefits

Flexibility in working hours

Support for career development

Sector-leading maternity and parental leave benefits

Beautiful campus environment

Qualifications

• Ability to present research progress and outcomes clearly.
• Experience with qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Ability to liaise with internal and external team members.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of an implementation and process evaluation.
• Contribute to the write-up of research findings.
• Maintain relationships with study participants.

Skills

Communication skills

Implementation research

Qualitative methodologies

Education

PhD or equivalent qualification in a related field

Job description

This maternity cover position is available on a fixed-term basis from 2nd March 2026 until 29th January 2027. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The post

The Children and Young People’s Mental Health Research Collaboration (ChYMe) is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the day-to-day delivery of an implementation and process evaluation of an unconditional cash transfers trial for families, aimed at improving child health outcomes. The successful post holder will be expected to support the research team with all aspects of the research process.

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. In particular, they will have experience of implementation research or process evaluation, and skills and experience applying qualitative methodologies. Applicants will be able to liaise with internal and external evaluation team members, contact and maintain relationships with study participants, support quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis (surveys, interviews and focus groups) and contribute to the write up of findings. Travel to sites in England will be required.

Applicants must pass a DBS check.

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.

Further information

For further information please contact Professor Vashti Berry, e‑mail [e-mail].

The closing date for completed applications is Monday 17th November. Interviews are expected to take place soon after.

The starting salary will be from £34,610 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.