Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Data Science

Opportunita; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Freedom to pursue intellectual and研究兴趣

External engagement support

Maternity and parental leave

Job summary

The University of Exeter invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Data Science to lead counterfactual prediction work on a diabetes project. You will work with Professor John Dennis and manage analysis of real-world datasets to translate research into NHS tools.

The role requires a PhD in medical statistics or related field, strong coding skills, and a track record in open science. This is a 3-year, full-time appointment funded by MRC, based in Exeter.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in medical statistics or related field.
• Proven expertise in counterfactual prediction modelling.
• Experience with large-scale real-world datasets (e.g., CPRD).
• Strong coding, analytical and problem-solving skills; commitment to open science.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and validation of counterfactual models for diabetes therapies.
• Prepare and analyse large real-world datasets and clinical trial data.
• Collaborate with external partners and NHS to translate research into practice.

Skills

Counterfactual modelling

Statistical analysis

Collaborative work

Coding

Education

PhD in medical statistics

Tools

R

Python

Job description

# Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Data ScienceUniversity of Exeter · University Exeter, United KingdomPosted 9 Nov 2026Apply on official website Opens careers.exeter.ac.ukSalary: £44,352Application deadline: November 16, 2026 7 days leftContract duration: 3 yearsEmployment type: Full time## DetailsPosition type: PostDocResearch field: MedicineDate posted: November 9, 2026Contact email: [e-mail]## About this positionOfficial opportunity text, in English · about 5 min read* **Postdoctoral****Research Fellow in Health Data Science INTERNAL ONLY**This post is available immediately until 30th November 2028.This post is offered as a contract and is funded by the MRC until 30 November 2028.In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.The starting salary will be from £44,352 on Grade F, depending on skills, experience and knowledge. **The** **Role**The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a Research Fellow to support the work of Professor John Dennis. The successful applicant will act as lead health data scientist on a new MRC Development Pathway Funding Scheme project “Development and testing of a decision aid for UK primary care to individualise treatment in type 2 diabetes.” The successful applicant will lead the development and validation of counterfactual clinical prediction models for diabetes and cardiometabolic disease therapies, including the application of novel statistical methodology. The role will include the preparation and analysis of large, complex real-world electronic health datasets (e.g. CPRD) and clinical trial data, following open science principles. The applicant will have the opportunity to work directly on research translation including developing and refining clinical decision aids for use in the NHS, working in collaboration with external partners (e.g. software developers) and health professionals. **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.Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in medical statistics or a related field. The successful applicant will be a recognised authority in counterfactual prediction modelling 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 demonstrate experience of working with large-scale data, extremely good coding, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a commitment to open science principles. Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role. **Further information**Please contact Professor John Dennis, [e-mail]* Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England. We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive. You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. **What we can offer you:** **How we can help** If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.* Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;* Support teams that understand the University wide 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 supports 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/Cornwall.