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 Research Assistant, you will work directly with Dr Liam Healy and Dr Eva Haifa Giraud (Sociology), and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) on the project ‘Prototyping Multi-species Encounters: Relating to Redmires Reservoirs’ Residents’, a design-research project funded by EPSRC Ecological Citizens, exploring how design might foster inclusive more-than-human (MtH) futures while building nature-connectedness among visitors to Redmires Reservoirs, one of SRWT’s sites.

The aim of this project is to explore how designers might complement our project partner SRWT’s extensive expertise in conservation practices with design-research. It will do so by developing communications and public engagement strategies to engage publics in their activities. We also seek to contribute to debates about how to discourage damaging actions in ‘wild places’ that do not create further barriers to already overlooked communities by adopting an approach informed by emerging literature in multi-species justice.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in the ways design and design-research (in multiple forms) might be drawn upon to foster more inclusive MtH futures. You will play a key role in supporting an innovative research project hosted at University of Sheffield School of Architecture and Landscape.

You will provide support with the design and development stages of the project, work hands-on with materials and prototypes (confidence with making and prototyping is key), supporting and running public engagement workshops, and finally developing and installing a gallery exhibition.

This is a fixed term 6 month contract, requiring 2 days a week to be worked between fieldwork as well as in the studio and workshop.

Main duties and responsibilities

As indicated above, the main duties are as follows:

• Support the design, manufacture and deployment of research devices

• Idea generation, development and production of prototypes

• Support the organisation and running of public facing workshops

• Support the design and installation of final exhibition

• Contribute to the project write-up and conference presentation

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.

Essential criteria

• An MA or BA in Design, Architecture, or related discipline

• Demonstrate a track record of designing, making and prototyping (physical and digital) at a variety of scales and materials

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Strong visual communication skills with experience of graphic design and related software applications

• Good interpersonal skills and willingness to work with a range of publics

• Good time management

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of the ability to work with a variety of materials, digital platforms and processes.

• Basic knowledge of literature in science and technology studies, multi-species justice and related sub-fields.

Further Information

Grade: 6.3 

Salary: £33,951

Work arrangement: Part-time 0.4 FTE

Duration: 6 months, commencing on 2nd February 2026 

Line manager: Principle investigator. 

Direct reports:N/A

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/architecture-landscape 

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Liam Healy, Principle Investigator: on liam.healy@sheffield.ac.uk 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place mid November 2025. This will consist of Portfolio review and Interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 3rd 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 Gemma Fearnley-Cook on g.l.fearnley-cook@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.

Closing Date : 12/10/2025 

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.