Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Exeter

This full-time post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by Cancer Research UK until 31st July 2028. In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.

The starting salary will be from £33,951 on Grade E(25) for the Graduate Research Assistant level, from £34,610 on Grade E(26) for the Postdoctoral Research Associate level and from £43,482 on Grade F for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow level, depending on qualifications and experience.

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow with strong quantitative skills to lead research projects using genetics to investigate the links between metabolic disease, reproductive ageing and cancer. This post is available from 1 August 2026 to 31st July 2028 and is in collaboration with a large Cancer Research UK funded research programme led by the University of Bristol.

The successful applicant will develop and apply research ideas and methods, applying cutting-edge statistical techniques to provide evidence on the causes of cancer through genetic analyses. Data analyses will include:

• Investigating relationships between fat distribution, hormonal status and cancer using methods in genetic epidemiology such as Mendelian randomization;
• Analysing genomic and health data from large population based cohorts;
• Large-scale genome-wide association studies;
• Population-scale whole-genome sequencing analyses.

The post will be supervised by Dr Katherine Ruth and Dr Gareth Hawkes and is based at the University of Exeter in the internationally-recognised Genetics of Complex Traits Team, a dynamic, supportive team of more than 30 researchers. The applicant will be part of the Integrative Cancer Epidemiology Programme, a multi-institutional collaborative programme led by the University of Bristol, offering opportunities to participate in meetings with world-leading researchers in population-based analyses.

The post will include all aspects of data-driven research projects – including developing ideas and methods, acquiring appropriate data, involving the public and patients, performing data analysis, collaborating with others working on the research programme, dissemination, supervising more junior staff and students, developing further funding and contributing to teaching and staff development.

Applicants will have experience of statistical and/or computational approaches to large scale data, genetic analyses, and/or genetic epidemiology. The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and make presentations at conferences and other events. Applicants will be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

For a Graduate Research Assistant, applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience. For a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Fellow, applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant at grade F will be an internationally recognised researcher in their field, as shown by highly cited publications, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies, but applicants at an earlier career stage are encouraged to apply.

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

Further information: Please contact Dr Katherine Ruth, e-mail K.S.Ruth@exeter.ac.uk.

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russell Group university, excelling in teaching and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England. We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit-based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

What we can offer you:

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide 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 supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.