Postdoctoral Research Associate or Assistant Research Professor in Qualitative Public Health Intervention Research (Fixed Term)

IMS Epidemiology is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Assistant Research Professor in qualitative public health intervention research.

This position is based in the Population Health Interventions group, an interdisciplinary team combining epidemiological, public health and social science approaches to understanding how changes in fiscal, physical and social environments can improve diet, physical activity and population health. The postholder will be the lead qualitative researcher across two closely related research programmes, designing and conducting ethnographic and meta-ethnographic research to generate deeper insight into the mechanisms linking environmental change with behavioural and health outcomes. This is an opportunity to make a substantial scientific contribution within a highly collaborative research environment and to help shape an ambitious programme of public health intervention research.

IMS Epidemiology is a Division within the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, situated within the Institute of Metabolic Science on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Its mission is to inform, develop and evaluate approaches to promote health and wellbeing through the joint strategies of precision prevention and population health improvement. The Division benefits from a number of large-scale, cross programme epidemiological studies with detailed datasets allowing a wide range of research from genetics to public health. Highly experienced information teams and other specialist teams support the scientists in the delivery of their research aims.

The successful candidate will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in public health or a related social science discipline, together with strong qualitative research skills relevant to the evaluation and understanding of population health interventions. They will have proven experience in qualitative fieldwork and analysis, including ethnographic or meta-ethnographic methods, and a strong interest in public health research questions relating to diet and, particularly, to physical activity or travel behaviour. We are looking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team, communicate complex ideas clearly to academic and non-academic audiences, and manage their work effectively to deliver high-quality research to agreed deadlines.

This is a fixed-term position for three years. The University has a hybrid working policy and the number of days in the office can be negotiated, but the expectation is at least two days every week. Alongside a competitive salary, University staff are eligible for a comprehensive package of benefits and services include discounts on shopping, health care, financial services and public transport. We also offer defined benefits pension schemes and tax-efficient bicycle, car lease and charity-giving schemes.

Please contact Professor Jenna Panter (jenna.panter@ims.cam.ac.uk) or Professor David Ogilvie (david.ogilvie@ims.cam.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

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 a 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.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 15 July 2026

The interview date for the role is Wednesday 29 July 2026

Please quote reference SJ49849 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.