Overview

We want to recruit an experienced Qualitative Researcher who will work on an exciting new study evaluating day case hip and knee replacements. Currently, most hip and knee replacements undertaken in the NHS require a few days stay in hospital. However, it is possible to discharge some patients on the same day as their operation. We are preparing for a large randomised controlled trial by interviewing patients, family members and health care professionals about their experiences of having or delivering day case surgery. We are also interviewing health care professionals in hospitals that would like to try to do more of this, or who have tried and stopped. We are looking for a talented person who has experience of undertaking qualitative interviews with patients and health care professionals. The experience can be in any health condition or health service. The role is based in the Health and Care Research Unit in the School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield. In this unit we work closely with clinical trials units to develop and evaluate different interventions. The role is 80%wte fixed term contract for 24 months.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Work with NHS hospitals to help recruit patients, family members and health care professionals for semi-structured interviews
• Work closely with the Clinical Trials Research Unit at the University of Sheffield to attend to ethical approvals and permissions to undertake the research
• Undertake one to one qualitative interviews with patients, family members and health care professionals by telephone, virtually, or in person (depending on the preference of the interviewee). Most interviews are likely to be by telephone or virtual but travel around the UK may be needed.
• Prepare data by liaising with the School transcription service, cleaning the transcripts, and entering them into NVivo
• Analyse the data using thematic analysis
• Present interim findings to the team
• Present findings at academic conferences
• Write first author academic papers for peer-reviewed journals
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2025 or January 2026. This will consist of an interview and a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in December 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact dph-section-operations@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development by offering access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

A standard DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Job Advert

We are looking for an experienced Qualitative Researcher who will work on an exciting new study evaluating day case hip and knee replacements. Currently, most hip and knee replacements undertaken in the NHS require a few days stay in hospital. However, it is possible to discharge some patients on the same day as their operation. We are preparing for a large randomised controlled trial by interviewing patients, family members and health care professionals about their experiences of having or delivering day case surgery. We are also interviewing health care professionals in hospitals that would like to try to do more of this, or who have tried and stopped. We are looking for a talented person who has experience of undertaking qualitative interviews with patients and health care professionals. The experience can be in any health condition or health service. The role is based in the Health and Care Research Unit in the School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield. In this unit we undertake large national research studies on a range of health conditions and services. We work closely with clinical trials units to develop and evaluate different interventions, including Sheffield’s clinical trials unit. The University of Sheffield offers considerable employment benefits and the opportunity to thrive in a multidisciplinary environment. The role is 80%wte fixed term contract for 24 months. We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.