Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Epidemiology

This new full-time post is available from 1 October 2025 on a fixed term basis until 31 August 2027.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Molecular Epidemiology to support the work of Professor Gemma Sharp. This is a hybrid post based on the Exeter Streatham campus and remotely within the UK. It is funded by Wellcome Leap until 31st August 2027. The successful applicant will harmonise and integrate longitudinal, genomic and epigenomic data to produce a world-leading data resource for menstrual health research.

The post will include leading on all aspects of molecular epidemiology as part of this highly innovative and fast-paced project. The post holder will design and implement new menstrual health questionnaires, harmonise longitudinal health data across two cohorts (the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children and Born in Bradford), and generate polygenic risk scores and menstrual fluid DNA methylation-based biomarkers. They will produce clear documentation for researchers and accessible reports for participants.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to work autonomously to develop research objectives, generate genetic and epigenetic biomarkers, produce accessible data reports, and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in molecular epidemiology 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 contribute to efficient data pipelines to ensure data releases are made on time and to a high standard.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and 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 supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

Further information

For further information please contact Prof Gemma Sharp, e-mail g.c.sharp@exeter.ac.uk.