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

Please note that this role is based in Belfast.

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems. The Co-Centre is an exciting 6-year, 35M Euro Research Investment funded by Research Ireland (RII), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The Co-Centre brings together an academic team from 17 research institutions across all 3 jurisdictions.  The vision of the Co-Centre is to develop innovative and transformative solutions to transition our food systems to become more resilient and sustainable through a multi and interdisciplinary programme of basic and applied research. The Co-Centre research is structured as Platforms, demonstrator projects and spokes which include targeted projects which are funded wholly or in part by industry. A platform dedicated to Nutrition and Health will provide evidence-based data to encourage the development, acceptance, and uptake of healthy diets from sustainable sources (HDSS) across all population groups.  This role will support Professor Louise Dye to conduct a programme of research within this platform which seeks to understand and ensure equitable access to breakfast provision and intake in children and adolescents across the Island of Ireland. This research will support the transition to HDSS and address micronutrient deficiencies.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Design appropriate tools and studies to determine and influence breakfast consumption behaviour in children and adolescents (aged 5-18 years). 

• Support the design and evaluation of School Breakfast Programmes (SBPs) across the Island of Ireland.

• Work with stakeholders and implementing partners to determine the impact of SBP on diet quality and attendance, (vs control schools)

• Co-design and conduct studies to determine how the SBP could be enhanced by the addition of other foods and the impact of such interventions on pupil health and wellbeing.

• Analyse the resulting data.

• Maintain high levels of ethical standards including confidentiality and good data management on a day-to-day basis.

• Plan for your own contribution up to 3 months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims.

• Liaise closely with other academics, advisers, administrators and external partners such as SBP providers, industry partners and policy makers in relation to breakfast provision.

• Prepare the results of the analyses, reports and academic publications and presentations to share findings both within and beyond the Co-Centre.

• Collaborate with, interact and support other members of the Co-Centre, partners and stakeholders.

• Attend and contribute to conference presentations, practitioner workshops and research meetings, as well as assisting in the running of them including education and public engagement (EPE) activities.

• Undergo a DBS check for working in schools. 

• 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.

• 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 towards the start of May 2026. 

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Francesca Baker at f.a.baker@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.

Criminal record

A DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role. 

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

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.