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

We are seeking to appoint a versatile, post-doctorate Research Associate with mixed-methods healthcare research experience within the Division of Clinical Medicine at the University of Sheffield.

Utilising both qualitative and quantitative research, you will work alongside Dr Catriona R Mayland, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Palliative Medicine.

The research study is entitled ‘An Inclusive evaluation of Care at the very end-of-life’ (the ‘I-Care’ study). This study has been funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

You will be an integral member of an emerging group of palliative and end-of-life care researchers.

Main duties and responsibilities

Research responsibilities: 

• Plan and manage data collection for an inclusive, national post-bereavement survey and individual qualitative interviews focused on care at the very end-of-life.  
• Help train, appoint and work synergistically with Community Researchers (non-academic community leads who are trained in research skills), and Patient and Public Involvement representatives, to involve community groups and organisations within the study.

• Ensure that protocols and practices are adhered, maintain accurate and complete records of all findings, resulting in data which is valid and useful for the project.
• Take a lead role in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, working alongside wider team members, and with support from the line manager.  
• Participate in project meetings and co-design workshops.  
• Present analysis results orally and in writing to the project team and key stakeholders as required.  
• Contribute creatively to other study outputs such as an animation demonstrating study results and key recommendations.
• Deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project and amendment of protocols.
• Write up results of the research for publications and presentations and contribute to progress reports, presentations and any other reporting obligations, with support from line manager.
• Present research findings, either at conferences or seminars appropriate to the discipline.
• Undertake relevant training and development activities and identify opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and experience, with the support of line manager.

• Contribute to the academic life of the research group, department and University.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Administration responsibilities:

• Take responsibility for administrative work associated with the research; for example, ethnical approvals, setting up administrative databases for data collection, preparing and managing study documents, preparing (and minuting in the absence of administrative support) local Project Working Group and Advisory Group meetings.
• Organising storage and transcription of the data collected.

• Facilitate and minute any Patient and Public Involvement meetings.  
• Liaise with the Project Advisory Group, Community Research Link Workers, and Patient and Public Involvement representatives as a main point of contact.
• Arrange travel and accommodation and payment of expenses.
• Act as main point of contact for project suppliers, including arrangement of payment of invoices and expenses.  

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 during December 2025. This will consist of a short presentation and an interview.  We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 24th November 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Staffing Team on clinmed-staffing@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.
• 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 standard 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).

Closing Date : 13/10/2025 

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.