Research Fellow

About the role

This role is part of a major NIHR-funded study evaluating the effects of voluntary supermarket policies restricting the use of price promotions to sell unhealthy foods. The findings will provide important evidence for UK policymakers working to create healthier food systems. Price promotions or special offers, like two-for-the-price-of-one or get 30% extra free, are commonly used to sell less healthy food. Their use is particularly common in the UK, and evidence shows they encourage consumers to purchase more of these unhealthy products, which are linked to obesity and other diet-related diseases. Voluntary or mandatory restrictions on the use of price promotions have been proposed to limit their use, and support the marketing and sale of healthier products, to improve people’s health. Two UK supermarkets introduced voluntary measures to stop the use of certain types of price promotions in 2016 and 2021. We have observed marked change in the use of price promotions when the se policies were introduced, and there is a need to better understand their full and wider impacts. The proposed programme of work will evaluate, from a public health perspective, the impact of these two policies. The overall two-year project is led by Dr Oliver Mytton (PI) from GOS ICH, and includes partners at Universities of Cambridge, East Anglia, Exeter, City & St George’s, Oxford, and the Institute for Fiscal Studies. It will take a systems perspective and include consumer purchasing data, economic evidence, consumer interviews, industry perspectives, and health & economic modelling. There may also be opportunities to contribute or lead rapid policy evidence synthesis projects requested by the Department of Health and Social Care through the NIHR Policy Research Unit (Co-Directors Mytton). This post is funded until 30/05/2027 in the first instance.

About you

We are seeking a post-doctoral research fellow with strong skills in evidence synthesis and a demonstrable interest in food policy and public health with: • A PhD (or near completion) in public health, food policy or evidence synthesis or a related field. Candidates without a PhD will be appointed at Grade 6B, with progression to Grade 7 upon final submission of their PhD thesis without corrections. • Experience of and interest in evidence synthesis • Experience of project management and of working with policy makers. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in presenting complex findings to diverse audiences. • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

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