At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team developing innovative microsimulation models for urban health and transport systems.
- Company: Loughborough University, a vibrant community focused on research and societal impact.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pay, hybrid working, and excellent health and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentorship from a leading researcher in the field.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in urban health while collaborating with international experts.
- Qualifications: Strong modelling skills and a passion for urban health and sustainability.
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.
Application Process: 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. If there are additional adjustments, you would like to request please contact us.
Our Benefits: At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
- 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 Long Whatton 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 salary, extensive holiday allowance, 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 solutions 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 Long Whatton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Loughborough University on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and what they value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the latest trends in urban health and microsimulation. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through when discussing how your skills can tackle real-world challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Think of examples where you've worked with diverse teams or tackled complex problems. We love candidates who can bring fresh ideas and foster teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for motivated individuals who are ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate or Fellow in Microsimulation in Long Whatton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, make sure to get straight to the point. We want to see your skills and experiences clearly laid out, so avoid fluff and keep it relevant to the role.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We’re looking for how your unique background fits with our needs. Highlight your modelling and simulation skills, and connect them to the big questions we’re tackling at Loughborough.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely curious about urban health and the impact of transport systems. Share your ideas and how you can contribute to our vibrant community.
Follow the Instructions:Make sure to read the application guidelines carefully. Indicate which grade you wish to be considered for, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Applying through our website is the best way to go!
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. Think about how climate change, economic shocks, and policy decisions affect urban health. This demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and aligns with the role's focus on tackling significant societal issues.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves building collaborations, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in research settings. Mention any international partnerships or mentoring experiences to showcase your ability to contribute to a vibrant academic community.
✨Tailor Your Application
When applying, clearly indicate whether you're aiming for grade 7 or grade 8. Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the job description. This attention to detail can set you apart from other candidates.
