Research Associate in Climate & Health Evidence Synthesis

About The Role

We are seeking a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in evidence synthesis methods, and interests in use of AI to join the Solace-AI team ( https://solaceai.org/ ). The successful candidate will lead the development of next-generation evidence synthesis methods at the intersection of AI and systematic review science to tackle urgent climate-health challenges across the globe.

Solace-AI is a Wellcome Trust-funded initiative developing cutting-edge AI technology to transform how we synthesise and deliver research evidence during climate-related health emergencies. By automating the creation of rapid, scientifically-rigorous evidence syntheses, this groundbreaking project aims to provide decision-makers with timely, locally relevant research-particularly focusing on historically underserved communities affected by extreme weather events.

You will work closely with world-leading experts in AI, public health, and climate science across Africa, Europe, and North America to implement evidence synthesis methods in automated systems capable of handling complex research documents. This includes developing novel evaluation frameworks to assess AI performance in evidence synthesis tasks, while ensuring all outputs remain rigorous, relevant, and actionable for decision-makers and humanitarian organisations.

You will develop new methods for making sure AI systems are trustworthy, and conduct evaluations into the reliability and usability of Solace AI.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/12/2028.

Research staff at King's are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

About Us

King's College London is one of the world's leading universities, ranked 31st globally and 5th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Founded in 1829, King's is a Russell Group university with a world-renowned reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation, particularly across medicine, health and the life sciences.

This post will be based within the newly established Department of Primary Care & Data Science, an interdisciplinary department that brings together expertise in primary care, population health, health informatics, artificial intelligence, epidemiology, biostatistics and health services research. The Department aims to develop innovative data-driven approaches to improve health and healthcare, working closely with patients, communities, policy-makers, healthcare providers and international partners.

The Department sits within the School of Life Course & Population Health Sciences is one of six Schools that make up the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College London. The School unites over 500 experts in a wide range of population health sciences including women and children's health, life course sciences, nutritional sciences, Health AI, preventive medicine and the molecular genetics of human disease. Our research links the causes of common health problems to life's landmark stages, treating life, disease and healthcare as a continuum.

We are interdisciplinary by nature and this innovative approach works: 91 per cent of our research submitted to the Subjects Allied to Medicine (Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences and Women's Health cluster) for REF was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We use this expertise to teach the next generation of health professionals and research scientists. Based across King's Denmark Hill, Guy's, St Thomas' and Waterloo campuses, our academic programme of teaching, research and clinical practice is embedded across seven Departments.

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. PhD awarded in Public Health or Evidence Synthesis; or PhD in one of these subjects near completion*
2. Experience conducting high-quality evidence synthesis (including systematic reviews, and scoping, rapid, umbrella reviews, and guidelines) using formal methodological approaches (e.g. narrative synthesis, evidence mapping)
3. Demonstrated ability to work with complex research methodologies, e.g. creatively adapting research methods for new contexts, or developing innovative approaches to evidence synthesis challenges
4. Strong publication track record as demonstrated through first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
5. Fluency with quantitative analysis tools (e.g., Python or R) and data visualisation

Desirable criteria

1. Experience in stakeholder engagement: working with policy makers, humanitarian organisations, and/or the public
2. Experience in conducting research into health problems exacerbated by climate change, particularly including low- and middle-income countries
3. Experience working with global and interdisciplinary teams to conduct and publish research

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further Information

At King's, we believe that the diversity of our community and a culture that is welcoming, open, inclusive and collaborative, are great strengths of the university.

The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfil our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension.

We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.

When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King's guidance.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving rapidly, and we recognise its growing role in professional work. Applicants may use AI tools to support preparation of their application, for example to research the role or structure written responses. However, applications must reflect the applicant’s own work and experience. AI tools should not be used during interviews or assessment activities unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. Further guidance on the use of AI in recruitment can be found
here.

We reserve the right to close adverts early due to the volume of applications we receive. While the closing date may change, all adverts will close at 23:59 to allow sufficient time for applications to be submitted on that day.