Research Fellow in Epidemiology & Statistics(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Department

The Research Department of Behavioral Science and Health at UCL focuses on understanding how human behavior shapes health outcomes across the life course. The department’s work is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on epidemiology, statistics, psychology, and public health to address major global health challenges, including chronic disease, substance use, and population wellbeing.

This role sits within Professor Daisy Fancourt’s Social Biobehavioral Research Group, which explores how social behaviours and environments influence physical and mental health. The group’s work spans social isolation and loneliness, community and cultural engagement, nature-based activities, and social prescribing, with strong relevance for public policy and health systems worldwide.

About the Role

UCL is seeking a Research Fellow in Epidemiology & Statistics to contribute to GRACE-Epi, a £3.5 million Wellcome Trust Discovery Award examining how arts and cultural engagement influence healthy ageing across diverse global populations.

This is a data-intensive role focused on large-scale epidemiological research. You will play a key part in managing, cleaning, and harmonising complex international datasets, and in conducting advanced longitudinal and causal analyses to address questions around ageing, health, and social engagement.

The position is funded until 1 March 2031, offering a rare opportunity to contribute to a long-term, high-impact programme of research with strong international visibility.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Data Analysis

• Manage, clean, and harmonise large observational and cohort datasets
• Conduct advanced longitudinal, causal, and epidemiological analyses
• Support the design and implementation of statistical analysis plans
• Contribute to high-quality academic publications and reports
• Collaboration and Academic Contribution
• Work closely with interdisciplinary collaborators across epidemiology, behavioural science, and public health
• Contribute to team meetings, research discussions, and knowledge exchange
• Present findings to academic and non-academic audiences
• Support responsible, transparent, and reproducible research practices

About You

You will hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in epidemiology, statistics, medical statistics, quantitative social science, or a closely related discipline. You will be highly motivated and comfortable working with complex datasets and sophisticated analytical methods.

You will also bring:

• Strong experience analysing cohort or population-based data
• Expertise in longitudinal and causal statistical methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines independently
• A collaborative approach to interdisciplinary research

If the PhD has not yet been formally awarded, the appointment will initially be made at Grade 6B, with automatic backdating to Grade 7 upon successful PhD submission.

Immigration and UK Visa Sponsorship

This role meets the eligibility requirements for sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration regulations. UCL welcomes applications from international candidates who require visa sponsorship.

Relevant UK Government resources:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

What UCL Offers

UCL provides a generous and supportive employment package, including:

• 41 days of leave per year (annual leave, bank holidays, and closure days)
• Option to purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave
• Defined benefit CARE pension scheme
• Immigration loan and relocation support (where eligible)
• On-site nursery and gym facilities
• Cycle-to-work scheme and season ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance and wellbeing services
• Discounted private medical insurance

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to creating a fair, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive. We value diversity as a driver of creativity and excellence and aim to reflect the global communities we serve.

We particularly encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in higher education, including people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ individuals; and women in senior roles. The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognizing sustained progress in advancing gender equality.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A current CV
• A supporting statement clearly addressing the essential and desirable criteria