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 to appoint an ‘embedded researcher’ in the Section of Public Health within the School of Medicine and Population Health. This is an exciting opportunity to support and develop a range of project work being undertaken in the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) led by the City of Doncaster Council (CDC) and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). You will work within a multi-disciplinary cross-organisational team based in CDC, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University; and will be co-located within these three institutions. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop your career and work with colleagues at CDC and academic teams in both Sheffield universities to deliver research and knowledge mobilisation that has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of the population of Doncaster. You will work closely with local authority colleagues and other stakeholders and participate in generating research impact within a supportive, flexible and friendly environment.

An understanding of the wider determinants of health and an appreciation of wider public health policy and practice is desirable. Therefore, the post would suit someone with experience of working with public health practitioners in a local government setting. 

You will have strong qualitative research experience and understand participatory research methods. An understanding of quantitative data collection, analysis and knowledge mobilisation is desirable. In addition, you will have strong spoken and written communication skills to liaise with multiple partners and external bodies. Excellent interpersonal skills are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to applied research, evaluation and knowledge mobilisation projects that meet the aims and vision for the HDRC Doncaster and generate outputs that have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of the population of Doncaster.
• Undertake literature reviewing and synthesis of relevant literature in formats for a wide range of audiences.
• Undertake qualitative data collection and analysis alongside the HDRC research team.
• Attend and contribute to regular meetings and workshops/events related to HDRC activities.
• Contribute to obtaining appropriate ethical approval, research governance and research registry registrations for HDRC activities.
• Contribute to applications for further funding, annual reports and other reports required by funders.
• Assist in the preparation of papers for publication and disseminate findings at conferences as required.
• Assist with the preparation of non-academic outputs and evidence-based actionable tools for getting research into practice.
• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements. Further information on the underpinning values of the Sheffield Academic can be found at: Sheffield Academic
• 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.
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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 are 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 consist of an interview via a panel and a 10-minute presentation: “Outline the challenges you may face as an embedded researcher working in local government and identify how you would address them”. 

We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in mid-August 2025 with interviews currently planned for Monday 1st September 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 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.

Closing Date : 13/08/2025 

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.