Job Description
Job Title:  Research Assistant (Impact Facilitator)
Posting Start Date:  03/07/2026
Job Id:  2801
School/Department:  Sociological Studies, Politics & International Relations
Work Arrangement:  Part Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type:  Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£):  £7,500
Closing Date:  22/07/2026

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 dynamic and motivated Research Assistant to join a new project on civil resilience and food security in the UK. This research impact focussed role will involve supporting the project lead in building relationships with local stakeholders across the UK, organising a series of online workshops with civil resilience forums, and outcomes monitoring. Candidates will need to have demonstrable experience in project management, relationship-building with non-academic partners, event organisation, and training delivery. 

 

Main duties and responsibilities

 

  • Design and deliver outreach strategies to build relationships with local resilience forums across the UK.

  • Lead on the planning and logistics of a series of interactive online workshops (including managing attendance, the online platform (Google Meet) and preparing materials), and supporting delivery of the sessions. 

  • Conduct post-workshop follow-ups with stakeholders to track project outcomes, and manage research impact data.

  • 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.

 

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Experience of organising successful events with non-academic audiences. 

Essential

Application and interview

Experience of supporting successful impact or Knowledge Exchange projects in the area of food security 

Essential

Application and interview

Experience working with local practitioners (including the voluntary sector). 

Essential

Application and interview

Excellent organisational, administrative and project management skills.

Essential

Application and interview

Experience of delivering training.

Essential

Application and interview

Experience of working with non-academic stakeholders to reflect on good practice.

Essential

Application and interview

Experience of research in the field of food insecurity (specifically, household food security and/or local-level responses to food insecurity).

Essential

Application and interview

Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

Essential

Application and interview

Self-motivated with ability for initiative and independent thought/working

Essential

Application and interview

 

Further Information

 

Grade

6.4

Salary

£34,610 per annum (pro rata)

Work arrangement

Part-time, 22% full time equivalent (equating to 7.7 hours a week).

Duration

07/09/2026 - 07/06/2027

Line manager

Project Principal Investigator

Direct reports

N/A

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/spir

For informal enquiries about this job contact Hannah Lambie-Mumford, Professor of Food and Social Policy, School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations at h.lambie-mumford@sheffield.ac.uk.

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on week commencing 17th August. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 27th July . If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact spr-hr-staffing@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

    • 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.

 

 

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.