Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow – Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Research (Fixed-Term)
University of Exeter
Exeter, England, United Kingdom
The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Exeter invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate or Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. This is a full-time, fixed-term research appointment funded through the Bateman Family Professorial Fellowship. The successful candidate will join a research programme focused on chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions, working closely with academic staff to deliver high-impact interdisciplinary health research.
The role involves contributing to multiple funded projects that combine qualitative research, evidence synthesis, and project development. The appointed researcher will engage directly with patients experiencing chronic pain conditions as well as clinicians involved in their management. The work includes qualitative interviewing, thematic and framework-based data analysis, systematic reviews, and meta-analytical approaches. The post also involves contributing to the development of new research proposals and funding applications, along with academic dissemination through conferences and publications.
The position is available from 01 April 2026 on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2028. The role may be offered at either Research Associate (Grade E) or Research Fellow (Grade F) level depending on qualifications and experience.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold, or be nearing completion of, a PhD in Psychology, Health Sciences, or a related discipline
- Demonstrated experience in qualitative research methods is required
- Experience in evidence synthesis, including systematic review methodologies, is desirable
- Familiarity with ethical approval processes in human research is advantageous
- Strong academic record and research potential are expected
Required Expertise/Skills:
- Expertise in qualitative interviewing and qualitative data analysis
- Experience with framework analysis or related analytical approaches
- Knowledge of systematic review and evidence synthesis methods
- Ability to design and contribute to research proposals and funding applications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams
- Experience working with patient and clinician populations preferred
Salary Details:
- Research Associate (Grade E): £34,610 – £39,906 per annum
- Research Fellow (Grade F): £43,482 – £46,049 per annum
- Salary dependent on qualifications and experience
Application Deadline
05 February 2026