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 motivated and organised Research Assistant to join an international research project focused on improving care for women living with breast cancer and comorbid depression in low resource settings. The project, led by Professor Parveen Ali at the University of Sheffield, aims to develop and evaluate an integrated psychosocial care plan to support breast cancer survivors experiencing depression, with a particular focus on implementation in Pakistan.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally and is associated with significant psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. In many low and middle income countries, including Pakistan, culturally appropriate psychosocial support services remain limited. This project builds on previous research demonstrating the effectiveness of psychosocial support interventions and aims to develop a scalable model of care to improve mental health outcomes among breast cancer survivors.

Working closely with the UK research team and collaborators in Pakistan, the Research Assistant will support the delivery of the study through a combination of research coordination, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, literature reviews, and stakeholder engagement. The role will involve supporting international collaboration, managing research data, and contributing to the dissemination of findings to academic, clinical and policy audiences.

The post offers an excellent opportunity for an individual wishing to gain experience in global health research, psychosocial interventions, and applied health research in low resource settings.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Work with Professor Parveen Ali and the wider research team to support delivery of the research project Integrated Psychosocial Care Plan for Comorbid Depression in Breast Cancer Patients in Low Resource Settings.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with members of the research team and project collaborators, including partners in Pakistan.
• Support the coordination and delivery of research activities associated with the project.
• Contribute to the development and organisation of research materials and study documentation.
• Contribute to data collection activities using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Collate, input and organise research data using appropriate data management and analysis software.
• Assist with literature searches and reviews to support the research team.
• Contribute to reports, presentations, conference abstracts and journal articles (with support from senior members of the research team).
• Support the organisation of meetings, workshops, and project activities involving collaborators and stakeholders.
• Read academic papers, journals, books and professional literature to maintain current knowledge relevant to the project.
• Contribute to the academic life of the School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery.
• Make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University’s 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 approximately two weeks after the closing date. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage a week following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact s.l.jackson@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
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • 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.

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.