Summerhayes Fellow - Fixed Term (Two years - to complete a specific task or time limited work)

An exciting and unique opportunity has arisen to support talented PhD graduates from the University of Leeds. This new initiative has been developed by the University of Leeds with the support of a generous philanthropic donation.

Summerhayes Fellowships are aimed at early career researchers who are immediately post-PhD and are looking for their first post-doctoral opportunity to launch their academic research career. The Summerhayes Fellows will work collaboratively across two large Faculties on interdisciplinary projects in the field of health inequalities and disease prevention. It is an exceptional opportunity for new postgraduates to develop their own academic research portfolio, interdisciplinary grant applications and external Fellowship applications.

The University’s strategy is reinforced by a commitment to collaboration and community to deliver impact in areas of inequality. Summerhayes Fellowships will be the embodiment of this ethos, interdisciplinary in nature and working across the Faculty of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine and Health to address health inequalities and disease prevention. The research will have the potential to change government policy, which in turn has the potential to improve the health of millions of people.

Summerhayes Fellows will work on applied research projects (pre-approved and advertised with this post), linked to human health, and providing opportunities for early impact (within five years). Fellows will be supported by a cross-faculty supervisory team and will also receive training on attracting further independent Fellowships and funding. This bespoke development plan and interdisciplinary fellowship will be unique to Leeds.

Two Summerhayes fellowship is available for this year’s intake and will be appointed on Grade 7 of the University’s grading structure. The successful candidate will undertake a two-year fellowship in the field of health inequalities and disease prevention. The successful applicant will contribute to the overall University strategy to translate research into tackling health inequalities to prevent disease at a local, national and international level. We are looking for a talented, highly motivated individual who completed their PhD from the University of Leeds with demonstrable potential to be outstanding scientists of the future and locate their fellowship across the Faculty of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Candidates should have recently completed their PhD in a relevant discipline and have expertise in areas akin to tackling health inequalities and disease prevention. Eligible candidates will have completed their PhD (successfully passed their viva at a minimum) at Leeds by July 31st 2026 and be looking for their first postgraduate opportunity. Summerhayes Research proposals are detailed in the supporting document available in the advertisement. We welcome and encourage applications from all sections of the community, and we would particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

What we offer in return

• 26 days' holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

To explore the post further, please contact:

Aysha Divan, Professor in Cancer Biology and Higher Education

Email: A.Divan@leeds.ac.uk

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