At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing innovative microsimulation models to impact urban health and policy.
- Company: Loughborough University, a vibrant community focused on research and societal solutions.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, hybrid working, and excellent health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in urban health while collaborating internationally with leading experts.
- Qualifications: Strong modelling skills and a passion for urban health and simulation.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Application Closing Date: Wednesday, 10 June 2026
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Full Time (37 hours per week), 3 year fixed-term contract
Hybrid: 3 days in the office and 2 days remote
Please note, we will appoint either at grade 7 or grade 8, depending on the successful candidate. There is only one vacancy available. Please indicate in your application which grade you wish to be considered for.
We are seeking an ambitious and collaborative researcher to join a team developing and applying microsimulation and agent-based models of cities, including an integrated land use, transport, and health exposure suite currently applied to Greater Manchester, and the ITHIM health impact modelling framework, as well as contributing to the development of entirely new methods and applications.
This is not a narrowly defined role. We are looking for someone who combines strong modelling and simulation skills with genuine intellectual curiosity about the big questions facing cities:
- How do urban environments and transport systems shape the health and wellbeing of populations?
- How can integrated microsimulation help us understand the cascading effects of climate change, economic shocks, and policy decisions on cities and the people who live in them?
- How can we build tools that are not just technically sophisticated but genuinely useful to those making decisions?
You will bring your own ideas, help shape the direction of the programme, build collaborations, including with our international partners at TU Munich, TU Graz, the University of Utrecht, ISGlobal, and TU Berlin, and help to mentor the next generation of researchers in the group.
The School of Sport Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS) is a multi-disciplinary school committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. It upholds the highest standards of excellence in research, innovation, and pedagogy across the full spectrum of disciplines within sport, exercise, health and wellbeing.
Your research lead Professor James Woodcock is a world leader in quantitative modelling for urban health, with an h-index of 98 and a career spanning methods development, large-scale modelling, and direct policy engagement at national and international level. His research addresses the full complexity of how transport and the built environment shape population health integrating evidence on physical activity, air pollution, noise, and traffic injury into tools that are rigorous and policy-relevant. His current research is expanding beyond mitigation to address climate adaptation, and increasingly encompasses the wider determinants of health and equity, including cost of living pressures, climate-driven inflation shocks, and the interconnections between transport, housing, and food systems.
The Senior Research Associate or Senior Research Fellow will be joining a programme at a moment of genuine ambition and growth.
This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge urban simulation and real-world policy impact, within an internationally connected programme and under the direct mentorship of a leading figure in the field. You will have the chance to develop your own research agenda, build collaborations across Europe and beyond, contribute to a growing team, and work on questions that genuinely matter for the future of cities and the health of their populations.
Whether your background is in transport modelling, urban simulation, spatial analysis, or a related quantitative field, if you are motivated by using models to understand and improve cities, we would love to hear from you.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor James Woodcock.
For more information on the grade 7 post, refer to the Senior Research Associate Job Description and Person Specification. For more information on the grade 8 post, refer to the Senior Research Fellow Job Description and Person Specification.
For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process.
Our Benefits:
- Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Senior Research Associate or Fellow in Microsimulation in Barrow upon Soar employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With generous benefits such as a competitive holiday allowance, flexible working options, and access to world-class facilities, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. The opportunity to work alongside leading researchers in a dynamic environment focused on impactful urban health research makes this role particularly rewarding for those passionate about making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate or Fellow in Microsimulation in Barrow upon Soar
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Loughborough University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the role and the team. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and think about how your skills in microsimulation can contribute. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at Loughborough University.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate or Fellow in Microsimulation in Barrow upon Soar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for urban health and microsimulation! Share your ideas on how you can contribute to the team and why this role excites you. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our goals, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you access to any additional resources we have for applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at Loughborough University
✨Know Your Models
Make sure you brush up on your microsimulation and agent-based modelling skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that relate to urban environments and health impacts. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the big challenges facing cities today. This could include topics like climate change or transport systems. Demonstrating your intellectual curiosity will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in the research.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves building collaborations, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in past projects. Mention any international partnerships or mentoring experiences, as these will align perfectly with what they're looking for.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Loughborough University's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal goals and research interests align with their commitment to addressing societal challenges. This connection can make a strong impression on the interview panel.
