Research Associate

About the role

This full‑time, fixed‑term Research Associate post sits within the Department of Public Health and Epidemiology at the [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] and is funded until 1 August 2029. The role forms part of the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Chemical Threats and Hazards and involves close collaboration with colleagues across the University, the UK Health Security Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

You will contribute to the Emergency Response theme of the HPRU by developing and applying numerical models that describe the transport and behaviour of chemical contaminants in the natural environment and their influence on human exposure via air, water, soil and food. This will include using and developing mass balance and dispersion models, applying machine learning approaches to understand emissions and dispersion at contaminated sites, and exploring how machine learning can be used to explain chemical components detected in human breath. Alongside leading aspects of data evaluation and interpretation, you will disseminate research findings through publications and conferences, contribute to future research development, and support knowledge exchange, public engagement and the mentoring of early career researchers and PhD students.

About you

You will hold a PhD or equivalent qualification with a substantial focus on numerical modelling, ideally including experience of code development and the application of AI or machine learning techniques. You will bring strong expertise in computer programming and the use of computational models to understand and predict system behaviour, with evidence of analytical problem‑solving skills and contributions to peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports or software development.

You will be an effective communicator, able to convey complex information clearly in both written and verbal contexts, and comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative research team. The role requires a willingness to work with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, a commitment to developing your subject expertise, and an interest in professional development, knowledge exchange and research that delivers real‑world impact in line with the University’s inclusive, inspiring and impactful values.

Additional information

Informal enquires are welcome and can be made to Hayley King at [contact hidden]

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here

The [Employer hidden] has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.