Job Description
University College London is recruiting a Research Fellow in Behavioural Epidemiology to join the Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health within the School of Life & Medical Sciences. This is a fixed-term academic research role focused on understanding how behaviour influences health outcomes, particularly in relation to physical activity during pregnancy.
The position is based in London with a hybrid working model and is part of the REACH (Research into Eating, Activity and Health) group, which works closely with NHS partners across England.
About the Research Unit
The Department of Behavioural Science and Health at University College London focuses on how lifestyle behaviours such as diet, smoking, alcohol use, and physical activity affect long-term health outcomes including cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and maternal health.
The REACH group specifically investigates physical activity and health behaviours, with a strong emphasis on improving population health through evidence-based interventions and surveillance research.
About the Role
This Research Fellow position will contribute to a major programme of work exploring physical activity patterns in pregnant women across the UK. The project aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes by generating evidence that can inform healthcare policy and clinical practice.
You will lead Work Package 1 (WP1), which involves collaboration with NHS organisations, development of surveillance tools, and quantitative analysis of population-level datasets.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and submit research ethics applications for multi-site studies
Collaborate with NHS trusts and healthcare professionals across England
Develop and pilot tools to measure physical activity during pregnancy
Conduct advanced quantitative and epidemiological data analysis
Analyse longitudinal and routinely collected health datasets
Identify geographical and socio-demographic health inequalities
Write and publish high-quality academic papers
Support knowledge translation into clinical and public health practice
Deliver workshops and training sessions for healthcare professionals
Contribute to participant engagement and dissemination activities
Essential Skills & Experience
Academic Background
- PhD in epidemiology, public health, or a related discipline
Strong understanding of behavioural or population health research
Technical Expertise
- Experience with advanced quantitative and statistical methods
Ability to work with longitudinal and routinely collected datasets
Knowledge of physical activity, maternal health, or surveillance epidemiology
Experience conducting high-quality epidemiological research
Professional Experience
- Proven ability to collaborate with NHS organisations and external stakeholders
Experience managing multiple research tasks and meeting deadlines
Strong scientific writing and publication record
Experience engaging in public involvement or stakeholder workshops
Desirable Experience
- Research in women’s health or maternity care
Experience in health behaviour interventions or lifestyle epidemiology
Familiarity with public health policy or clinical translation work
Experience in co-producing research with participants or communities
Salary & Contract Details
- Salary: Grade 7 (dependent on PhD status and confirmation)
Fixed-term contract funded until 30 January 2029
Hybrid working arrangement available
Appointment may initially be at Research Assistant level if PhD is pending
Benefits
- 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
Defined benefit pension scheme
Cycle-to-work and travel loan schemes
On-site nursery and gym facilities
Enhanced parental, maternity, and adoption leave
Immigration and relocation support (where applicable)
Employee wellbeing and assistance programmes
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
University College London promotes an inclusive research environment where diversity strengthens scientific innovation. Applications are encouraged from underrepresented groups in academia, including ethnic minority researchers, women in senior roles, disabled scientists, and LGBTQI+ professionals.
The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award recognising its commitment to gender equality in research.
Visa Sponsorship
This role is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and may also meet criteria for the UK Global Talent visa route. International applicants are welcome to apply.
Helpful UK Government & NHS Links
- UK Skilled Worker Visa Guidance
Global Talent Visa Route
UK Public Health Careers Overview
NHS Research & Clinical Trials Information
Equality Act 2010 Guidance