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 Research Assistant to work on physical activity-related research projects under supervision. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who would like to gain research experience in qualitative and quantitative methods as well as real-world evaluation.

The work will include primary data collection (surveys, interviews, focus groups), data analysis (qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods), liaising with research collaborators and reporting findings.  Experience of using a range of research methods is desirable and qualitative research experience is essential.

The successful candidate will combine research with interpersonal skills, and will have the opportunity to learn alongside researchers in public health.

Main duties and responsibilities

Working under supervision from the line manager, you will participate in a variety of tasks including:

• Work within research teams and liaise with research collaborators and funders.
• Attend research meetings.
• Conduct data collection and analysis (qualitative and quantitative) as appropriate to skills and training, such as undertaking interviews or analysing qualitative transcripts (e.g., using NVivo software).
• Reporting of finding to various audiences in creative formats.
• Support the preparation of papers for academic journals.
• Support the presentation of findings at academic conferences.
• Ensuring compliance with research ethics and data protection.
• Provide information, both written and verbal to research participants, collaborators and funders.
• Prioritise tasks and allocate time to different studies as appropriate.
• Undertake advance planning to meet deadlines for formal study monitoring and study milestones (e.g., participant recruitment, data collection and data analysis).
• As a member of staff, you will also 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, which will include an interview, will take place in late October/early November 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Karen Johnson - karen.johnson@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 
• 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

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 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 : 31/10/2025 

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.