Programme Lead in Autism and Physical Health
Lead an internationally recognised research programme addressing premature mortality and health inequalities in autistic individuals.
Best for:Best for established researchers with expertise in autism, epidemiology, health inequalities, and large-scale data analysis seeking to lead translational research with policy impact.
Overview
This position at the K. Lisa Yang Centre for Autism Research at the University of Cambridge offers an opportunity to establish and direct a cutting-edge research programme focused on the significant physical health disparities faced by autistic people. The successful candidate will investigate the causes of premature mortality, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, using large-scale epidemiological data, population cohorts, and international datasets. The role involves scientific leadership, grant development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translating research into policy and healthcare improvements. The programme aims to bridge gaps in healthcare access and improve outcomes for autistic individuals through evidence-based interventions.
What you'll do
- Lead and establish an internationally recognised research programme focused on physical health inequalities in autistic individuals.
- Conduct high-quality research using large-scale epidemiological health records, population cohorts, and linked administrative datasets.
- Develop and submit competitive grant applications to secure external research funding.
- Supervise and mentor research staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.
- Collaborate with clinicians, policymakers, and the autistic community to translate research findings into healthcare improvements and policy changes.
- Shape the future direction of the Autism and Physical Health Programme and contribute to the broader development of the K. Lisa Yang Centre.
- Investigate how physical health risks vary by sex, age at diagnosis, and biological clusters identified through precision diagnostics.
- Ensure research findings inform evidence-based healthcare practices and policy decisions.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in a relevant discipline such as epidemiology, public health, health inequalities, autism research, or a related field
Language: English; proficiency appropriate for academic research and leadership
Instruction: English
Publications: Excellent publication record appropriate to career stage
- Strong track record of internationally recognised research in autism, physical health, health inequalities, epidemiology, or population health
- Excellent publication record appropriate to career stage
- Evidence of obtaining or substantially contributing to external research funding
- Strong quantitative, methodological, and analytical skills
- Experience leading research using health records, population cohorts, linked administrative data, or large-scale health datasets
- No explicit eligibility restrictions mentioned beyond academic qualifications and experience
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-18
Submit a CV with a full publication list, a cover letter outlining suitability for the role, a research vision statement (max 3 pages) describing plans for the Autism and Physical Health Programme over the next five years, and contact details for two academic referees. Apply online via the University of Cambridge job portal.
- CV including full publication list
- Cover letter outlining suitability for the role
- Research vision statement (max 3 pages)
- Contact details for two academic referees
Contact
Simon Baron-Cohen· Professor
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