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

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Research Associate to join our sexual rights and ageing programme of research. The current project, supported by the NIHR School for Social Care Research, focuses on embedding the Sexual Rights Charter in older adult care homes. It strives to explore ways to build inclusivity and upskill the workforce. 

Working alongside the PI, Professor Sharron Hinchliff, the postholder will take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the project. The project involves qualitative and quantitative research, engagement activities (PPIE) with older adults and care home staff, and collaboration with external partners. 

The post offers an ideal opportunity to establish an academic career in the field of health and social care research. It provides a platform for progression to an academic post or would suit those seeking to establish a long-term research career. 

The postholder will have a PhD (or be nearing completion) in psychology, social sciences, health or a related field (or have equivalent experience). They will have experience in conducting research and data analysis including on sensitive topics. 

Based in the School of Allied Health Professions, Pharmacy, Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield, the project starts in March 2026 with a contract for 12 months at 40% FTE. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist the PI and team in the administration of the research project as appropriate 

• Conduct analysis of the existing literature 

• Contribute to the design of data collection tools

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis 

• Interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes

• Facilitate project recruitment and sampling 

• Conduct Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities

• Contribute to the organisation of stakeholder meetings 

• Contribute to research ethics approval, data management, and storage 

• Disseminate the findings by for example, co-authoring research papers with the team, and presenting at local and national programmes 

• Assist the team in promoting the project through social media platforms

• Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the research team and non-academic stakeholders 

• Undertake training and development activities relevant to the role

• 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 approximately two weeks after the closing date. This will consist of an interview, in person or online. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage a week following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the School Operations Manager, Emma Nesbit - e.l.nesbit@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 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

An enhanced DBS with adult's barred list 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).

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.