Research Fellow in Behavioural Epidemiology

Research Fellow in Behavioural Epidemiology

We are seeking to appoint a postdoctoral Research Fellow, to the Research into Eating, ACtivity and Health (REACH) group at UCL, as part of a mixed-methods project exploring active play (AP) in UK preschool-aged children funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The project aims to understand which population groups might benefit most from AP interventions; identify existing (successful) interventions that support preschoolers' AP; and understand priorities and perspectives of key stakeholders.

This is a postdoctoral position based within UCL's Research into Eating, ACtivity and Health (REACH) group led by Prof Abi Fisher and Prof Clare Llwellyn. The post holder will be supporting quantitative and qualitative analysis to better understand how to support active play in UK preschoolers.

The position is available from 11st November 2026 on an open-ended contract with fixed-term funding until 28th February 2027 in the first instance. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent on award and confirmation of a PhD (or equivalent). If this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B, point 26 (£39,807 – £42,891 per annum) with payment at Grade 7, point 32 (£46,261 – £54,019 per annum) being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis. Salaries are inclusive of London Allowance. This role meets the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship or a global talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.

A full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Please use the personal statement section to explain how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.

If you have any queries regarding the vacancy or the application process, please contact Kathryn Hesketh ([email protected]). If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Maria Kristensen ([email protected]).

You will have a PhD or equivalent in epidemiology, public health or related relevant subject with a strong understanding of children's epidemiological research, and have demonstrable experience of undertaking both quantitative and qualitative analyses. You will be a strong team player, able to adapt to resolve research challenges when required and work to deadlines across several tasks. You will display enthusiasm, dynamism and independent thinking, taking responsibility for the successful and timely delivery of the project outputs, including data analysis and drafting of academic papers.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:

• 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• Immigration loan and expenses
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance

  Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

  As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/