Postdoctoral Research Fellow

About The Role Postdoctoral Research Fellow

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

This full-time post is available from 1st December
2026until 30th November 2027.

This post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by I mproving independent outdoor play in Eng land until 30 November 2027.

In line with the University's fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.

The starting salary will be from £43,482 to £46,049 on Grade F, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.

Please note that this role is subject to a DBS check. At the University of Exeter, we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff to share this commitment.

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Outdoor Play Research Centre and to lead a qualitative work package focused on the impact of staffed adventure playgrounds on children and young people's lives, with a specific focus on mental health and wellbeing. The successful applicant will design a rigorous study that addresses the aims of the project, recruit playgrounds, children and young people to participate, lead data collection and analysis of data, and communication of the findings, including writing a paper for publication.

The post will include leading the work package and working closely with the Centre team to ensure the continued success of the Centre's research and impact programme.

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events. Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in chidren's play, mental health and/or public health, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies.

The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to design and conduct qualitative research with children and families, communicate effectively with stakeholders and be able to travel nationally when required for data collection.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Please contact Helen Dodd -  and Paul McCrorie  for further information.

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future. Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
• Support teams that understand the University wide 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 supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at  You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.