The MRC Epidemiology Unit undertakes research on the causes and prevention of diabetes and obesity, including -- under the auspices of the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR) -- evaluating the effects of environmental interventions on physical activity. We are now seeking three postdoctoral researchers to work on new or existing natural experimental studies in this field.

IRC62927 — Career Development Fellow (3 years)

You will work on the follow-up phase of the M74 study, an interdisciplinary study of the health impacts of a new urban motorway funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). You will be the lead quantitative researcher for the study, taking primary responsibility for overall study coordination and the design and quantitative analysis of a population survey including objective physical activity measurement, with a particular focus on understanding the impacts of new transport infrastructure on active travel, physical activity and public health. You are likely to have (or shortly to be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant topic, experience in the collection and analysis of epidemiological or physical activity data including multivariable regression modelling, and knowledge of study management. Experience in more advanced statistical methods and in the objective measurement of physical activity would be advantageous.

IRC62928 – NIHR Career Development Fellow (2 years)

Launched in April 2012, the NIHR School for Public Health Research is a collaboration between eight leading academic centres with excellence in applied public health research in England. The School aims to increase the evidence base for effective public health practice. The NIHR provides the framework through which the research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England are positioned, maintained and managed as a national research facility.

You will work on a scoping, feasibility and pilot study for the evaluation of the impact of new residential environments on active living and well-being funded by the School. You will be the lead researcher for the study, taking primary responsibility for overall study coordination and the design, implementation and analysis of all elements of the study with the support of a research assistant. You are likely to have (or shortly to be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant topic, experience in the collection and analysis of epidemiological or physical activity data and qualitative data, and knowledge of study management. Experience in the recruitment and retention of study participants and in randomised controlled trials would be advantageous.

IRC63306 – Investigator Scientist (18 months)

You will work on Commuting and Health in Cambridge, an interdisciplinary study of the health impacts of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway (CGB) funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). You will be the lead quantitative researcher for the final phase of the study, taking primary responsibility for the longitudinal analysis of quantitative data from an established cohort of participants and a newly drawn sample of busway users, with a particular focus on measuring, evaluating and understanding the impacts of new transport infrastructure on active travel, physical activity and public health. You are likely to have (or shortly to be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant topic and experience in the analysis of epidemiological or physical activity data including multivariable regression modelling. Training and experience in more advanced statistical methods for the longitudinal analysis of cohort (panel) data would be advantageous.

All posts are based in Cambridge and are available from January 2013. The starting salaries will be in the range of £26,022 – £31,758 per annum (MRC Band 4). This is supported by a flexible pay and reward scheme. The posts offer 30 days’ annual leave and an optional MRC final salary pension scheme.

For further information including job descriptions, person specifications and how to apply, please visit www.cedar.iph.cam.ac.uk/work-with-cedar/vacancies or telephone 01793 867003 and quote the appropriate IRC reference number(s). You must include a covering letter and CV with your online application. If you would like to discuss any of the posts, please contact Dr David Ogilvie ([log in to unmask] or telephone 01223 769197) or Dr Jenna Panter ([log in to unmask] or telephone 01223 746884).

The closing date for applications is 24 September 2012. Interviews will be held on 12 and 15 October 2012.

The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.