Postdoctoral Research Associate – Qualitative Public Health Intervention

About the role

IMS Epidemiology at the University of Cambridge is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead qualitative research within its Population Health Interventions group. The role focuses on ethnographic and meta‑ethnographic studies that explore how changes in fiscal, physical and social environments influence diet, physical activity and overall health.

Key responsibilities

• Lead qualitative research across two related programmes, designing ethnographic and meta‑ethnographic studies.
• Collect and analyse field data to uncover mechanisms linking environmental changes to diet, physical activity and health outcomes.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of epidemiologists, social scientists and clinicians.
• Produce high‑quality reports and academic publications for both scholarly and policy audiences.

Required profile

• PhD (or near completion) in public health, social science or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in qualitative fieldwork and analysis, including ethnography or meta‑ethnography.
• Interest in population health interventions related to diet, physical activity or travel behaviour.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Required skills

• Qualitative research design and implementation.
• Ethnographic and meta‑ethnographic methods.
• Data analysis and synthesis of qualitative findings.

What we offer

• Fixed‑term three‑year contract.
• Hybrid working arrangement (minimum two days on‑site).
• Competitive salary and comprehensive university benefits package.
• Access to world‑class research infrastructure and interdisciplinary collaboration.