Research Associate, Food System Change (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - MRC Epidemiology Unit

Location: Cambridge

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 25th February 2026

Closes: 12th March 2026

Job Ref: SJ48915

1. Research Associate, food system change (quantitative research and evidence synthesis) (Post 1, 12 months)
2. Research Associate, food system change (qualitative research and evidence synthesis) (Post 2, 12 months)
3. Research Associate, food systems change (evidence synthesis for policy, mixed methods) (Post 3, 12 months)

We seek three researchers to join the Dietary Public Health Group to work on projects generating evidence on food system change. The posts represent excellent opportunities to work in an internationally renowned centre for population health intervention research and offer outstanding opportunities for career development.

Applicants will have an excellent track record and ideally have a research interest in food systems or food policy, with understanding of systems thinking, evidence synthesis and qualitative or quantitative research. The posts will be based in IMS Epidemiology in the Institute of Metabolic Sciences at the University of Cambridge. However, the research is likely to involve analysis and synthesis of research undertaken nationally or in other specific parts of the UK, and post holders may be required to travel elsewhere in the UK regularly to undertake fieldwork and participate in research and other meetings.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate how they meet the criteria for the post when they apply.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2027 in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

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: 12th March 2026

Interview date: 30th March 2026

Please quote reference SJ48915 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.