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

Main duties and responsibilities

As a Research and Innovation Fellow, your main duties will include: 

• Designing, planning and conducting a programme of investigation, in consultation with senior academic colleagues in NAPIC

• Developing research that identifies how legal and regulatory frameworks can support responsible innovation, commercialisation and market uptake of alternative proteins while maintaining high standards of food safety, consumer protection and public confidence.

• Seeking opportunities to collaborate with relevant commercial stakeholders to accelerate innovation, promote commercialization of the scientific discovery and provide training in regulatory aspects of alternative proteins;

• Undertaking legal and policy analysis of the regulatory framework governing alternative proteins, including emerging processing and production technologies such as precision fermentation and gene editing, to identify regulatory gaps, overlaps and inconsistencies, and to develop evidence-based recommendations that support innovation and market uptake.

• Conducting literature reviews in the areas of domestic food law and policy, the regulation of agricultural inputs (e.g. fertilizers/seeds), customs requirements (e.g. food quality standards, plant health regulation, food safety and labelling requirements, international trade law as it relates to food trade (including the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and Windsor Protocol); the UK’s post-Brexit trade agreements and global supply chain implications for alternative proteins, together with regulatory frameworks with key linkages to alternative protein supply chains, including animal welfare. 

• Making a significant contribution to the dissemination of research results by publication in leading peer-reviewed journals, and by presentation at national and international meetings;

• Working independently and as part of a larger team of researchers, both internally and externally and engaging in national or international knowledge-transfer activities and relevant alternative protein micro-credential development such as Food Law and Regulation where appropriate;

• Contributing to the supervision of junior researchers and PhD students and acting as a mentor to less experienced colleagues;

• Contributing to and leading on the development of funded research projects aligned to the key innovation challenges in NAPIC.

• Maintaining your own continuing professional development;

• Contributing to, and encouraging, a safe working environment.

• 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

The next stage of the selection process will consist of an interview and a presentation. We aim to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Psychology Operations team at psy-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 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 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 : 08/09/2026 

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.