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

As a Qualitative Research Associate you will join a new consortium of academics, campaigners and analysts who have come together to assess the impact that climate related extreme weather had on UK food supplies in recent years and quantify the possible future impacts as the world warms further.

The project will identify the extent of recent climate-induced food price shocks on UK food supplies, prices and production, and use novel methods to quantify the impact that projected climate change may have in the future on access to nutritious foods and therefore human health.

The research associate will provide specialist research support to the project, preparing for, conducting, and reporting qualitative analyses, delivering insight relating to the impact of food price inflation on those experiencing food insecurity and their ability to access healthy and affordable food. 

You will work closely with other members of the project team and stakeholders including staff and people with lived experience of food insecurity, food banks and alternative food spaces. 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct research that applies creative qualitative methods to the food-related experiences of food bank and social supermarket users at food outlets / venues across the UK. 
• Conduct research that applies creative qualitative methods to gain insight into the real-time shopping decisions, motivations and experiences of lower income consumers.
• Engagement with stakeholders including staff and people with lived experience of using alternative food spaces.
• Conduct research that identifies the quality of food on offer through all charitable routes, and uptake of these, and food distributions across West and South Yorkshire.
• Overall responsibility for data preparation, data analysis, and reporting of findings.
• Awareness of and contributions to research governance, including applications for ethical approval. 
• Consideration of data management including compliance with data protection legislation and information security requirements.  
• Take a lead role in drafting reports for publication in scientific journals.
• Contributions to dissemination of the findings in the form of conference presentations and other outlets.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• 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 the 1st week of September. This will consist of a short presentation and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing the 2nd week of August. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact gpl-ops@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.

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.