"Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Maternity Cover)"

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively make a real difference.

The role

A postdoctoral research fellow position (Maternity Cover) in the cancer care group (School of Health Sciences) is available at the University of Surrey. The position will support a NIHR Policy Research Unit Award in Cancer Awareness, Screening and Early Diagnosis.

The University of Surrey is seeking a talented mixed methods research fellow (with a background in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Health Services Research or related discipline) to join the project team and contribute toward a number of studies to measure cancer awareness, screening and early diagnosis, in the general population, with a particular focus on marginalised groups. The post-holder will be based at Surrey (under the supervision of Professor Katriina Whitaker and Dr Rob Kerrison) and will join a wider team of academics and researchers working on this project. The post-holder will work closely with colleagues at UCL, Oxford, Cambridge, Leicester and the Department of Health and Social Care to deliver the project. They will be responsible for conducting literature reviews, obtaining governance approvals, developing, testing and validating surveys, collecting and analysing (quantitative and qualitative) data, working with groups often excluded from research and leading on the writing of results for publication.

About you

The successful candidate will be passionate about improving the lives of people affected by cancer, particularly those often excluded from research. They will be an integral member of the cancer care group and will be encouraged in the development of their own research plans. Candidates should have a proven track record of research contributions in a relevant discipline, as well as evidence of being able to work in inclusive ways and with public and patient stakeholders.

How to apply

Please complete the application form evidencing your skills and experience against the essential criteria required for the role and attach your CV.

Further information

Informal enquiries about this vacancy can be made to Professor Katriina Whitaker (k.whitaker@surrey.ac.uk) and Dr Rob Kerrison (r.kerrison@surrey.ac.uk).

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on the 3rd September 2025.

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and click on the 'apply online' button above.

In return we offer a generous pension, relocation assistance where appropriate, flexible working options including job share and blended home/campus working locations (dependent on work duties), access to world-class leisure facilities on campus, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Studies have shown that women and other minoritised groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. In the School of Health Sciences, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with what is stated, we encourage you to contact us to discuss. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Further details

Job Description