Postdoctoral Research Associate/Assistant Research Professor in the Population Health Interventions Programme (Fixed Term)

IMS Epidemiology is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Assistant Research Professor with skills and experience in quantitative research methods and evidence synthesis to advance work on public health interventions to reduce consumption of harmful ultraprocessed foods (UPFs).

Based in the Population Health Interventions Programme, the primary role of this post is to lead quantitative analyses exploring the impact and equity of existing dietary public health interventions on UPF consumption alongside evidence synthesis of similar work.

Current UK dietary public health policy focuses on foods high in fat, salt or sugar (HFSS). At least 50% of UPFs consumed in the UK are also HFSS. Thus, HFSS focused interventions may also impact on UPF consumption.

You will explore how current approaches to reducing HFSS consumption influence UPF intake. You will conduct quantitative analysis of existing data to explore the equity and effectiveness of diverse population interventions on UPF consumption. You will then conduct evidence synthesis to consider the generated findings together with those from others and create a comprehensive understanding of intervention mechanisms to equitably support reduced population UPF consumption.

This position offers a significant career development opportunity for a post-doctoral scholar wishing to develop their skills and experience in both executing and leading research. In addition to the core research described, there will be opportunities to develop your own research ideas and contribute to other collaborative work on UPFs and dietary public health in the UK and beyond.

Alongside a competitive salary, University staff are eligible for a comprehensive package of benefits and services including discounts on shopping, private health care, financial services and public transport. We also offer defined benefits pension schemes and tax-efficient bicycle, car lease and charity-giving schemes.

You will be educated to PhD level in a relevant subject or due to complete within 3 months of applying. You will have proven skills and experience in quantitative analysis of large data sets for the evaluation of population health interventions and evidence synthesis.

This is a fixed-term position for 30 months. The role can be performed as a hybrid position, recognising that some tasks may only be performed on University premises.

Please contact Professor Jean Adams, jma79@medschl.cam.ac.uk for informal enquiries.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 18th March 2026

Interview date: 30th March 2026

Please quote reference SJ48931 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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Key information

Department/location

MRC Epidemiology Unit

Salary

£37,694-£59,966

Reference

SJ48931

Category

Research

Date published

24 February 2026

Closing date

18 March 2026

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