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 the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations to work as a Research Associate examining the capacity and legitimacy of the UK’s national parliament Parliament as the locus of representative democracy, under the supervision of Professor Felicity Matthews.  

Working alongside Professor Matthews, the postholder will undertake a programme of research that advances our understanding of the contemporary UK Parliament by systematically interrogating the interplay between the range of actors engaged in parliamentary politics; and, in turn, by appraising the success of reforms intended to restore or enhance Parliament’s influence, efficacy, visibility and legitimacy.  The postholder will also support research on aligned topics including changing patterns of political participation and the influence of ‘celebrity politics’ on political debate and policymaking; focusing in particular on the impact of such shifts on established political institutions and democratic processes.

This post offers an exceptional opportunity for the successful candidate to become part of a leading UK centre for research in Politics, where they will: engage in ongoing research on the capacity and legitimacy of the UK’s national parliament whilst advancing their own programme of research; benefit from supervision by Professor Matthews and from the wider programme of researcher development support in the School, as well as a suite of methodological training and other career development opportunities; build a strong academic and non-academic network to help ensure sustained research and impact in the field; and actively engage in the intellectual life of a community of scholars committed to excellence in research and impact at the School, the Faculty of Social Sciences, and the wider University.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Under the supervision of Professor Matthews, conduct research of international standing in relation to the contemporary UK Parliament, public engagement with politics, and other aligned research agenda.

• Identify relevant literature, update own knowledge as required; and assess the validity of the relevant literature and its contribution to the development of the field. 

• Identify, organise and review appropriate sources of secondary data.

• Contribute to the preparation of publications and outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles, research monographs and policy reports.

• Self-manage time and adhere to agreed timetables.

• Carry out project management and administrative duties as required; for example, routine project management, collate information, and recordkeeping. 

• Involvement in professional activities such as refereeing papers, editing journals, refereeing research grants, external examining, organising conferences, committee membership and involvement with professional bodies on accreditation.

• Contribute to, and play an active part in, the wider research environment of the School.

• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ʻSheffield Academicʼ. 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 Universityʼs achievements as a whole.

• 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 on 3 December 2025. This will consist of a presentation and interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 17 November. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact spr-operations@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 : 19/11/2025 

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.