Job Summary Table of Postdoctoral Research

Job Description Summary

The University of Exeter is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow for their newly established Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions (Net+ Centre), focusing on interdisciplinary research addressing climate change and health inequalities across urban environments, green/blue infrastructure, and food systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research on climate change and health, with a focus on environmental-social-health inequalities
• Contribute to conceptualizing and identifying key issues and priorities in climate change and health research
• Map complex systems, structures, and values that underpin climate-health relationships
• Analyze current and potential health and environmental impacts of adaptation and mitigation approaches within critical systems (urban, green/blue infrastructure, and food systems) across the life course
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams and work across sectors
• Help plan and deliver research projects alongside research fellows at Exeter and UK Health Security Agency
• Contribute to the development of further projects across the Centre

Benefits and Perks

• Generous holiday allowances and flexible working arrangements
• Comprehensive pension scheme
• Relocation package (if applicable)
• Freedom to pursue intellectual interests and work creatively across disciplines
• Support teams that understand university-wide research goals
• Access to Innovation, Impact and Business directorate for external engagement support
• Exeter Academic initiative supporting high-performing academics to develop their career
• Industry-leading benefits around maternity, adoption, shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and fertility treatment
• Beautiful campus located in the heart of stunning Cornwall

Company Overview

The University of Exeter is a prestigious Russell Group research-intensive university ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024. The university achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Exeter’s world-leading research impact has grown more significantly than any other Russell Group university in recent years. More than 99 percent of their research is of international quality, with 47 percent classified as world-leading according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Company Culture

The University of Exeter fosters an environment of academic excellence and innovation, encouraging proactive engagement with industry, business, and community partners to enhance research impact and education quality while improving student employability. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries, Exeter offers a diverse and engaging environment where diversity is celebrated as a major strength.

The university is committed to creating an inclusive culture where all community members can thrive, with diverse voices heard through engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender equality (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion), and as a Disability Confident employer.

Career Growth Opportunities

This position at the Net+ Centre represents a significant opportunity for career advancement in the rapidly growing field of climate change and public health research. As one of the first research fellows in a cohort employed across the Centre and various departments at the University of Exeter and partner organizations, the successful candidate will have the chance to help shape the direction of this new research center and establish themselves as a leader in this critical field.

The Net+ Centre’s five-year funding from UKRI provides stability and resources for long-term research development. Working with world-class researchers across disciplines and sectors will expand professional networks and collaborations, potentially leading to new research opportunities, publications, and career pathways.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Exeter is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. They actively encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented within their working community. The university has earned recognition through various charter frameworks, including Athena SWAN and Project Juno for gender equality, the Race Equality Charter Mark, and as a Stonewall Diversity Champion for LGBTQ+ inclusion.

As a Disability Confident employer, Exeter ensures reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces. The university is also a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcomes applications from service people.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Exeter is committed to ensuring that all applicants are judged on merit alone. They celebrate diversity as a major strength and are creating an inclusive culture where all members of their community are supported to thrive, with diverse voices heard through engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks.

Remote Work Policy

This position offers hybrid working arrangements, with the primary base at the European Centre for Environment and Human Health on Penryn Campus in Cornwall. The university welcomes applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements, demonstrating their commitment to flexible working options that support work-life balance.

Application Process

1. Review the complete Job Description and Person Specification
2. Prepare application materials demonstrating relevant experience and qualifications
3. Apply online through the University of Exeter careers portal
4. Participate in interviews (likely to take place in the first week of June)

Application Deadline

08/05/2025

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through the University of Exeter’s recruitment portal. For further information about this position, please contact Prof Conny Guell (c.guell@exeter.ac.uk) or Professor Catherine Butler (c.butler@exeter.ac.uk).

FAQs or Additional Information

About the Net+ Centre: The Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions (Net+ Centre) launched on October 1, 2024, and is a five-year research center funded by UKRI. Led by the University of Exeter alongside core partners at the UK Health Security Agency, The National Trust, and Forest Research (plus many other partners across sectors), the Net+ Centre aims to establish interdisciplinary research infrastructure, partnerships, and capacity to deliver novel, impactful research on climate change and health.

Contract Details: This is a full-time, three-year fixed-term post available immediately.

Location: The European Centre for Environment and Human Health on Penryn Campus, Cornwall (hybrid working welcome).

Explore Blog Articles:

1. UK Skilled Worker Visa – Complete Guide
2. Sweden Job Seeker Visa – How to Apply
3. Portugal’s Job Seeker Visa – What You Need to Know
4. Germany EU Blue Card – Benefits and Requirements