Professor/Associate Professor of Human Environmental Toxicology/Environmental Health

University of Leicester; Leicester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Leicester seeks a distinguished Associate Professor/Professor to lead research on environmental pollutants' impact on health. This role involves establishing a research group, teaching, and contributing to strategic initiatives within a multidisciplinary center. Ideal candidates will have a PhD and a strong research background.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Generous leave

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Track record of internationally recognised research outputs.
• Experience of teaching at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Responsibilities

• Lead research into environmental pollutants and human health.
• Establish a competitive research group and contribute to strategic priorities.

Skills

Human Toxicology

Environmental Epidemiology

Biological Chemistry

Education

PhD in a relevant subject area

Job description

We are seeking a distinguished Associate Professor/Professor to lead research into the impact of environmental pollutants on human health. This new role will expand the multidisciplinary Centre for Environmental Health and Sustainability (CEHS), founded in 2018. The focus will be on understanding chemical exposures and their mechanisms.

The postholder will play a key role in the Environment Theme within the Leicester National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). This offers excellent opportunities for clinical collaboration. They will also contribute to the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Chemical Threats and Hazards, launching in April 2025. Collaborations with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Health & Safety Executive will be integral to this role.

The role involves establishing a competitive research group and contributing to the strategic priorities of the Department, College of Life Sciences, and CEHS. The postholder will support innovative teaching and report to both the Head of Department and the CEHS Director. As a senior member of CEHS, they will help shape the Centre’s research strategy and take on managerial responsibilities to support the team.

Working in an interdisciplinary environment, the research portfolio will strengthen collaborations between CEHS and other University bodies, including the Leicester NIHR BRC, the NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, and the University’s Institute for Environmental Futures. The Institute focuses on the ecological and health impacts of climate change and has strong links with CEHS.

This is a unique opportunity for a leading researcher to shape the future of environmental health research and contribute to societal wellbeing.

About you

We are looking for a candidate from a relevant field such as human toxicology, environmental epidemiology, or biological chemistry. This opportunity is available at either Professor or Associate Professor level depending on your experience, knowledge, and research outputs - please indicate in your application which position you are most interested in.

To be successful as an Associate Professor, you will hold a PhD in a relevant subject area and have a track record of outputs that are internationally recognised and world-leading in terms of originality, significance, and rigour. You will be able to demonstrate experience of teaching at undergraduate or postgraduate level, as well as evidence of your future research plans.

To be successful as a Professor, in addition to the above, you will also have experience of leading a Research Institute, Centre, Group, or equivalent, and leadership of relevant research and professional networks on a national and international level. You will have a substantial external funding record through grants, consultancy, or knowledge exchange projects, meeting discipline benchmarks over time. You will also demonstrate esteem in professional practice and have a successful record of recruiting and supervising PhD/MD students.

For more information on the role and responsibilities, please refer to both Job Summary Forms.

Additional information

Informal queries are welcome and can be directed to Professor Anna Hansell at [emailprotected].

Applications should include a curriculum vitae with relevant qualifications, experience, full employment history, and achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a 2-page cover letter explaining how you meet the criteria, your achievements, why the role interests you, and your future goals.

Interviews are anticipated to take place on 12 June 2025 on the Main Campus.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world for 100 years. Joining us means becoming part of a community of Citizens of Change, including staff, students, and alumni worldwide.

As a diverse, inclusive employer, we embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into all aspects of our work, supporting staff, students, and the community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful, and Inclusive.

We are committed to staff wellbeing and environmental sustainability, offering a competitive salary, pension scheme, generous leave, and career development opportunities in a supportive environment.