The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant (Grade 6) or Research Associate (Grade 7) in Systematic Reviewing to join our Evidence Synthesis Centres within the School of Medicine and Population Health.

You will deliver high quality systematic reviews, rapid reviews, mapping reviews and health technology assessment critiques. Your work will inform policy decisions made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) and other organisations. As a motivated self-starter, you will also have the opportunity to develop (or collaborate on) funding proposals and the development of systematic review methodologies. You will be responsible for the dissemination of findings in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences, and may undertake postgraduate teaching and student supervision.

You will have a PhD (for the Grade 7 Research Associate role) or postgraduate qualification (for the Grade 6 Research Assistant role) in a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in systematic reviewing. Expertise in conducting reviews of diagnostic tests and screening programmes will be an advantage. You will possess strong numerical skills, a high level of attention to detail and excellent scientific writing ability. You should also have a good working knowledge of appropriate software such as systematic review packages, AI packages, Microsoft Office and reference management software.

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.

Main duties and responsibilities

Working under the supervision of a senior researcher, you will participate in a variety of  activities such as:

• Carry out (Grade 7) or contribute to (Grade 6) high-quality systematic reviews across a range of topics to inform national health policy, for clients including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) and other organisations. Tasks may include study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, data synthesis and interpretation of findings.
• Appraise the clinical evidence components of Health Technology Assessments submitted to NICE, as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Work collaboratively with wider members of the project team, including members of  our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team, information specialists, economic  modellers, statisticians, clinical experts, and the project co-ordinator.
• Write clear and concise reports to summarise your findings, paying close attention to  detail.
• Communicate effectively with funders, stakeholders and collaborators both within and external to the University.
• Plan and manage your contribution to each project, in conjunction with the project  team, to meet agreed deadlines.
• Disseminate research findings through writing (Grade 7) or contributing to (Grade 6) publications for peer reviewed journals and presentations at conferences or seminars.
• Develop (Grade 7) or contribute to (Grade 6) grant proposals for research and knowledge exchange projects.
• Undertake (Grade 7) or contribute to (Grade 6) methodological research in systematic reviewing and evidence synthesis.
• Contribute to our teaching programme, including delivering lectures, tutorials and short  courses, developing online teaching materials, and supervising students.
• 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 are 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 during the weeks commencing 12 or 19 October 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 during the week commencing 5 October 2026. 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 38 days (grade 6) and 41 days (grade 7) 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 through access to learning and mentoring schemes integrated with our Academic Career Pathway
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • 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 Leader (opens in a new window). 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.

Closing Date : 13/09/2026 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.