Research Associate

University of Leicester - Department of Public Health and Epidemiology

Location: Leicester

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 per annum: Grade 7

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 16th April 2026

Closes: 6th May 2026

Job Ref: 13266

Vacancy terms: Full time fixed term contract until 1 August 2029

About the role

This full‑time, fixed‑term Research Associate post sits within the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of Leicester and is funded until 1 August 2029. The role forms part of the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical Threats and Hazards and involves close collaboration with colleagues across the University, the UK Health Security Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

You will contribute to the Emergency Response theme of the HPRU by developing and applying numerical models that describe the transport and behaviour of chemical contaminants in the natural environment and their influence on human exposure via air, water, soil and food. This will include using and developing mass balance and dispersion models, applying machine learning approaches to understand emissions and dispersion at contaminated sites, and exploring how machine learning can be used to explain chemical components detected in human breath. Alongside leading aspects of data evaluation and interpretation, you will disseminate research findings through publications and conferences, contribute to future research development, and support knowledge exchange, public engagement and the mentoring of early career researchers and PhD students.

About you

You will hold a PhD or equivalent qualification with a substantial focus on numerical modelling, ideally including experience of code development and the application of AI or machine learning techniques. You will bring strong expertise in computer programming and the use of computational models to understand and predict system behaviour, with evidence of analytical problem‑solving skills and contributions to peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports or software development.

You will be an effective communicator, able to convey complex information clearly in both written and verbal contexts, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative research team. The role requires a willingness to work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, a commitment to developing your subject expertise, and an interest in professional development, knowledge exchange and research that delivers real‑world impact in line with the Universitys inclusive, inspiring and impactful values.