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

This post offers an exciting opportunity to develop an academic career within a world-leading, multidisciplinary research environment specialising in the development, evaluation and application of health outcome measures. The role is integrated across two internationally recognised research groups: the Outcomes team within the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR) and the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SiTRaN). The post has been designed to ensure meaningful engagement with both groups, providing a varied research portfolio and a strong platform for future career progression.

We are seeking an individual who is motivated to work collaboratively on outcome measurement using mixed-methods. A substantial component of the role will involve contributing to a Motor Neuron Disease Association (MNDA)–funded project focused on improving the assessment and management of pain in people living with motor neuron disease (MND). This innovative programme is led by Dr Haris Stavroulakis, drawing on expertise from outcomes research, neuroscience and clinical practice.

Alongside this project, the postholder will contribute to a wider portfolio of applied and methodological outcomes research across SCHARR, funded by research councils, charities and industry partners. Responsibilities will include study design, protocol development, ethics applications, data collection and analysis, and the evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures using mixed methods. Experience of conducting sensitive research with vulnerable populations is essential.

The post also offers opportunities to contribute to Masters-level teaching and supervision. You will work closely with Professor Jill Carlton, Dr Haris Stavroulakis and Professor Chris McDermott, with strong support to develop an independent research programme.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake research as part of multidisciplinary teams working on the evaluation and development of patient reported outcome measures and preference-based measures.

• Manage, undertake and analyse qualitative interviews (both online and in-person), including contributing to the application for ethical approval, undertaking participant recruitment, and if required, travel to sites around the UK to interview consenting participants.

• Manage and undertake literature reviews of relevant literature, for example around psychometric properties of existing patient reported outcome measures including content validity.

• Contribute to the design, development and writing of proposals for research projects.

• Disseminate research findings through publication in leading peer-reviewed health and medical journals and presenting papers at conferences, working with senior colleagues.

• Assist in the preparation of research documents, including research reports, project updates and briefing papers.

• Undertake methodological research in the area of outcome measurement.

• Involvement in professional activities, such as organising local research events.

• Contribute to the Section’s teaching by delivering tutorials and assisting with the supervision of students on Masters-level courses, short courses and (if appropriate) PhD programmes.

• 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 are 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

The selection process will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage after 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 Heather Cartledge h.l.cartledge@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:

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• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, e

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• support for those going through the menopause

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• paid time off and support for fertility treatment

• and more

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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 : 15/03/2026 

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.