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

The ESRC Digital Good Network (DGN) wishes to recruit a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher. DGN explores what a good digital society should look like and how we get there. It also asks how we can evaluate whether digital technologies have good societal outcomes. We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher to work with us on this strand of our work, which we call the 'Digital Good Index’[1]  (DGI).

The DGI builds on the research across our network.  This is an exciting opportunity to engage with DGN researchers to develop a policy- and industry- facing output to help ensure that we have real-world impact. We set out some ideas about how the DGI might take shape on our website and in our paper: Evaluating the societal outcomes of digital technologies: building blocks and reflexive questions.                   

The successful applicant will be line-managed by Professor Helen Kennedy, Director of the Digital Good Network. They will join a DGI working group and report to a DGI steering group. The successful applicant will join a growing community of postdoctoral and doctoral and researchers affiliated with the Digital Good Network, and will be encouraged to engage in network activities, including training and conferences, for their own development.

The post is offered at 100% and is fixed term for two years (or until 31 October 2027 if this is sooner). At a minimum, the successful applicant will be expected to work at the University of Sheffield with the Sheffield-based team on Tuesdays, and to attend and participate in DGN team meetings.

Because diverse teams help us address big global challenges, we welcome applications from currently under-represented groups within our school, including candidates who are women, LGBTQ+, disabled and from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to the evaluation strand of the Digital Good Network’s work (that is, the Digital Good Index) including through research and academic and public-facing outputs.
• Collate, analyse and synthesise Digital Good Network research and identify how it can contribute to our evaluation work.
• Keep abreast of relevant outputs, developments and literature.
• Conduct and publish ongoing reviewing, analysing and synthesizing of relevant outputs, guidance and literature.
• Conduct some primary data collection, using methods appropriate to the aims of the research.
• Contribute to dissemination activities, such as report-writing, blog writing, an exhibition, preparation of journal papers, presentation of conference papers and the production of impact documents.
• Work work researchers across our network to help consolidate their research into the Digital Good Index, proactively working with others to ensure our research draws on a wide base of evidence
• Carry out administrative duties as required, e.g. collate information, arrange project meetings, and keep records.
• Support the organisation of relevant events.
• Be responsible for managing original empirical research data including anonymisation, liaising with transcribers, checking for accuracy and preparing data for archive.
• Attend and participate in Digital Good Network team meetings.
• Present ideas and outputs to a variety of audiences.
• Manage own time and adhere to agreed timetables.

• 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 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.

Essential Criteria

Have a PhD, or have submitted for a PhD, in a relevant area (Application)

Experience and understanding of translating social science/humanities research into societal impact and working with non-academic partners and organisations (Application/Interview)

Knowledge of guidance and recommendations for good societal uses of digital technologies (Application/Interview)

Experience of social science or humanities approaches to digital society research (Application/Interview)

Experience of and skills in conducting research under research ethics, data management and safeguarding frameworks (Application/Interview)

A demonstrable commitment to Digital Good Nework values, including equity, diversity and inclusion and sustainability (Application/Interview)

Experience of and ability to work collaboratiely, proactively seek guidance where appropriate and to adapt, building on the feedback of others (Application/Interview)

Effective interpersonal and communication skills for communicating with a range of stakeholders (Application/Interview)

Evidence of sustained and continuing research performance, and ability to produce high quality research outputs for publication for a range of audiences (Application/Interview)

Ability to review, analyse and synthesise new research and outputs (Application/Interview)

Ability to work effectively in a team and independently, to work to deadlines, and to support the organisation of relevant dissemination activities (Application/Interview)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249 - £40,497

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: starting as soon as possible, fixed term for two years (or until 31 October 2027 if this is sooner)

Line Manager: Professor Helen Kennedy

Our website:  https://digitalgood.net/

For informal enquiries about this job contact:

Professor Helen Kennedy, DGN Director, h.kennedy@sheffield.ac.uk

Dr Ros Williams, DGN Associate Director, r.g.williams@sheffield.ac.uk

Dr Dee Goddard, DGN Communications, Engagement and Impact Officer, dee.goddard@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 : 11/07/2025 

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.