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

Join a world-leading team developing life-changing treatments for people with MND

Working in multidisciplinary Better Outcomes for MND team based at the Sheffield Institute for Neuroscience (SITraN). We are an award-winning international research and clinical care centre for developing evidenced based improvements to the care and quality of life of people with motor neuron disease and their families.

The main role of this post will be to support and lead on delivery of an innovative process evaluation embedded within a 12-site UK-wide implementation trial of non-invasive ventilation in people with MND called DENIM. They will also be the PPIE day to day lead for the trial (https://www.denim-mnd.co.uk) and will support PPIE activities for other Better Outcomes in MND projects. We are looking for a researcher with a strong background in qualitative methodologies and implementation science and the ability to work independently and within a team, to collect data, analyse and report data travelling to NHS sites across England. This will consist of focused ethnography and qualitative interviews. They will be also involved in other research projects in long-term neurological conditions with similar methodologies.

We are a growing, diverse team of researchers and clinicians with a strong focus on equality and diversity both within research participation and within staff career development. Staff have been successfully supported to apply for their own research funding and training opportunities with the group. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Esther Hobson (e.hobson@sheffield.ac.uk) for an informal chat to discuss the project prior to application.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake research in line with project requirements. This will include conducting face to face and remote qualitative interviews and ethnographic observations with patients, carers and staff at 12 NHS sites across England (2-3 visits per site).
• Manage data collection, analysis and storage on a day-to-day basis together with other researchers. Use methodologies including CFIR, ERIC and NPT to support the trial process evaluation.
• Manage the day-to-day work of the DENIM PPIE group and lead on dissemination and PPIE public engagement.
• Work independently and as part of the DENIM and wider Better Outcomes in MND team to deliver the research objectives in line with the project outlines.
• Liaise closely with other academics, advisers, R&D departments and administrators relevant to the study.
• Take a lead role in the analysis, interpretation and writing up of process evaluation data, underpinned by behavioural science approaches.
• Read and review literature as appropriate.
• Assist in the writing of the project reports, publications and future grant applications.
• Contribute to conference presentations, research advisory group meetings.
• Attend and contribute to project meetings and research advisory group meetings.
• Support project reporting requirements, including research project progress reports and finance management, reporting and grant proposals.
• Work with and support other members of the team, including in the co-supervision of students working on the project.
• 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 in August 2025. This will consist of a presentation, an activity and an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of 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 Dr Esther Hobson.

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

An enhanced with barred lists 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 (opens in a new window).

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.