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

This research assistant post will enable the candidate to undertake a PhD on the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, specifically focusing on examining the use of imaging before a diagnosis is made. The project will involve using routinely collected healthcare data and/or large healthcare datasets such as the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. This is an excellent opportunity for someone seeking an academic career in primary care cancer diagnosis, or in data analytics more generally.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake doctoral research on pancreatic cancer diagnosis
• Finalise project plan in collaboration with PhD supervisors
• Achieve ethical and governance approvals to undertake research
• Achieve publication of research in appropriate peer reviewed journals 
• Present research at academic conferences
• Disseminate research findings and engage with stakeholders such as clinicians, health service managers, charities and patient organisations
• If deemed appropriate, seek funding for further research opportunities to continue following the conclusion of this fellowship

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.

Essential criteria

• A degree level qualification in a relevant subject, such as statistics, health economics, or in a scientific discipline relevant to healthcare (assessed at: application)
• Have demonstrated experience in relevant research methods, for example through publications in peer reviewed journals (assessed at: application and interview)
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both in writing and verbally along with the ability to convey complex concepts to a range of audiences (assessed at: application and interview)
• Experience in working collaboratively across a team (assessed at: application and interview)
• A commitment to high standards of integrity, consistent with the need to deliver high quality research that benefits patients and commitment to principles of governance and confidentiality around research data (assessed at: interview) 
• Have an understanding of primary healthcare in the UK (assessed at: interview)

Desirable criteria

• A higher degree, e.g. MSc in a relevant discipline such as statistics or health research (assessed at: application)
• Experience in using routinely collected healthcare data in health research (assessed at: application and interview)

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £31,637 to £39,355

Work arrangement: Full-time, part-time options may be considered.

Duration: 6th October 2025 to 30th March 2029 (assuming full time)

Line manager: Senior Lecturer

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/smph/academic-unit-primary-medical-care

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Stephen Bradley, Senior Lecturer: on stephen.bradley@sheffield.ac.uk

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 16th July 2025 or 22nd July 2025. This will consist of an interview process, including a five minute presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 7th July 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Joanne Turner (j.e.turner@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 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 access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways Framework
• 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).

Closing Date : 26/06/2025 

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.