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Overview

We are seeking to recruit a Research Associate with strengths in participatory or co-production methodologies working alongside people living with dementia to support the delivery of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship ‘New musical technologies for older adults' wellbeing: renewal.’ led by Dr Jennifer MacRitchie.

Currently one million people in the UK are living with dementia, and one in three people born in the UK will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime (Alzheimer’s Society, 2025). People can still live a full life when living with dementia; the challenge for technology design is how we might support those in awaiting diagnosis or in post-diagnostic care to be fully able to engage in meaningful activities on their own terms. This project asks, how we can harness emerging technologies to boost opportunities for older adults living with dementia to interact with music and consequently their sense of wellbeing, agency and social connection? In collaboration with the University of Leeds through Professor Alinka Greasley, this package of work will look specifically at ‘How can the design of musical interactions for people living with dementia take account of diverse hearing profiles?’

You will be responsible for leading participatory community-based work with people living with dementia who also have diverse hearing profiles. This will involve the evaluation of perceptions and sensitivities to varied musical content, as well as considering modifications or adaptations to existing music technology prototypes, such as vibro-tactile interaction and force feedback into current Music Memory Makers and Slider Box devices. The postdoctoral research assistant will also be responsible for contributing to the development of musical content led by composers, where the content would better account for hearing differences.

To support this activity, we seek a candidate with a background of participatory or co-production methods working with people living with dementia in areas such as music, hearing sciences, or other relevant disciplinary areas.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Carry out research design, data collection across Sheffield and Leeds, and analysis.
• Carry out activities involving relationship-building and participatory events with community groups, which is expected to involve some travel.
• Conduct evaluations with lived experience groups.
• Collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data from evaluations.
• First author and co-author academic facing outputs resulting from data arising from this project.
• Regularly consult relevant collaborators to obtain advice and keep them informed about developments
• 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 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 in early July 2026. This will consist of a short presentation followed by an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 11/05/2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact rachel.doole@sheffield.ac.uk.

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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.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

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.