Job Description

Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
This part time (0.5FTE) post is available from 1st March 2026 to 1st January 2028 in the Centre for Rural Policy Research to support the work of Dr Rebecca Wheeler.
We welcome applications from candidates interested in working alternative part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.
The post
You will work on the research project, Understanding health and well-being among farm women: A life-course approach, which is jointly led by the CRPR and the Farming Community Network (FCN). Through a combination of quantitative, qualitative and creative research methods, this research is deepening understanding about the complex psychosocial, cultural and familial processes that influence farm women's health and well-being across the life-course (including physical, reproductive, mental and emotional health). It will also offer vital insights into help-seeking behaviour and the usefulness of different forms of support.
The post will include undertaking research, as appropriate, to support the project including contributing to the delivery and analysis of a large-scale questionnaire survey, conducting qualitative research interviews with women in farming, and writing up research for publication.
About you
You will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
You will:

• possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study
• be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• have a grounding knowledge of rural social science and a demonstrable interest in the topic of health and well-being
• be experienced in conducting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative research, ideally with members of the farming community
• be adept at using SPSS and/or other statistical software packages to conduct statistical analysis of large datasets, and will show proficiency at carrying out interviews on potentially sensitive topics with women in UK agriculture

Please ensure you read the and Person Specification for full details of this role.
What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around

(up to 26wks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6wks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy * A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
We are proud signatories of the and welcome applications from service people.
Further information
For further information please contact Dr Rebecca Wheeler, or (01392) 723170 or Professor Matt Lobley (01392 724539).
Job title Postdoctoral Research Associate Job reference Q00712 Date posted 01/09/2025 Application closing date 09/09/2025 Location Exeter Salary 34,610 (pro rata) on Grade E depending on qualifications and experience. Package Generous holiday allowances, flexible working, pension scheme and relocation package (if applicable). Contractual hours Blank Basis Blank Job category/type Research Attachments Job description
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
This part time (0.5FTE) post is available from 1st March 2026 to 1st January 2028 in the Centre for Rural Policy Research to support the work of Dr Rebecca Wheeler.
We welcome applications from candidates interested in working alternative part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.
The post
You will work on the research project, Understanding health and well-being among farm women: A life-course approach, which is jointly led by the CRPR and the Farming Community Network (FCN). Through a combination of quantitative, qualitative and creative research methods, this research is deepening understanding about the complex psychosocial, cultural and familial processes that influence farm women's health and well-being across the life-course (including physical, reproductive, mental and emotional health). It will also offer vital insights into help-seeking behaviour and the usefulness of different forms of support.
The post will include undertaking research, as appropriate, to support the project including contributing to the delivery and analysis of a large-scale questionnaire survey, conducting qualitative research interviews with women in farming, and writing up research for publication.
About you
You will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
You will:

• possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study
• be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.
• have a grounding knowledge of rural social science and a demonstrable interest in the topic of health and well-being
• be experienced in conducting and analysing both qualitative and quantitative research, ideally with members of the farming community
• be adept at using SPSS and/or other statistical software packages to conduct statistical analysis of large datasets, and will show proficiency at carrying out interviews on potentially sensitive topics with women in UK agriculture

Please ensure you read the and Person Specification for full details of this role.
What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around

(up to 26wks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6wks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy * A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

Skills Required