Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PenARC Mental Health)

Postdoctoral Research Fellow
This full-time post is immediately available on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity until April 2027.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

Please note that this role is subject to a DBS check.

The Role
The Faculty wishes to recruit a temporary maternity cover Postdoctoral Research Fellow to support the work Mental Health theme of the NIHR ARC South West (PenARC). NIHR Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) support applied health and care research that responds to, and meets, the needs of local populations and local health and care systems.

Mental health problems are currently the single largest cause of disability in the UK and represent an ever-increasing burden across all ages of the population, and health and social care systems. Mental health research is an ongoing priority for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and for the NIHR. Currently, a large proportion of mental health research activity is focused on a small number of geographical locations, with significantly less activity in areas where mental health conditions are most prevalent. The NIHR encourages research to be conducted in populations with high mental health burden which have been historically underserved by research activity or where there is an unmet need. This disparity is significant in the South West region and the post holder will be integral in working with our partners to help overcome and address the issues facing our population.

About You
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a recognised authority in mental health service research and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. Applicants will be able to create and maintain relationships with mental health service providers, engaging these people and bodies in research activity to help build capacity.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role. This role closes on 30 June 2026.

Further information
Please contact Rebecca Hardwick, rebecca.hardwick@plymouth.ac.uk.

About Us

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

How we can help
If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at hrhelpdesk@exeter.ac.uk. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.

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