Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Data Science

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

Benefits offered by this job

Freedom to pursue intellectual work

Staff benefits (maternity/adoption/Par

Devon campus environment

Job summary

University of Exeter is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Data Science to lead counterfactual prediction work on a UK primary care project. The role involves handling large-scale real-world data and collaboration with NHS partners.

The successful candidate will develop and validate models, translate research into clinical decision aids, and supervise junior staff within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in medical statistics or related field.
• Recognised authority in counterfactual prediction modelling.
• Ability to lead, supervise and work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead health data scientist on a MRC project.
• Develop and validate counterfactual models for therapies.
• Analyse large real-world datasets (e.g., CPRD) and trial data.
• Collaborate with external partners and NHS translation.

Skills

Research leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

PhD in medical statistics or related field

Job description

About The Role

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Data Science

This full-time post is available immediately until 30th November 2028.

This post is offered as a fixed term 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]

About Us

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:

• 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.

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 how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.