At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on social and psychological aspects of oral health.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield's innovative Transforming Oral Health group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient experiences and contribute to groundbreaking research.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in sociology, psychology, or dental public health required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 44746 £ per year.
We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to join the Transforming Oral Health (ToH) group within the School of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield. This role focuses on social science, quantitative methodology, clinical dentistry, and dental public health contributing to research on the social and psychological aspects of tooth loss and rehabilitation.
Led by Professor Barry Gibson, this multidisciplinary project explores social and psychological processes associated with tooth loss, inequalities and oral rehabilitation. The project develops person-centred indicators to measure change in the social and psychological aspects of adapting to a new denture, including oral health related quality-of-life (OHRQoL) and related methodologies.
You will work with academic partners at the University of Sheffield, Lincoln and the Queen's University of Belfast and industry partners Haleon to develop approaches to measuring patient experience in relation to tooth loss and oral rehabilitation. The role requires expertise in mixed methods research, including quantitative measurement of change and understanding patient experience. You will be involved in developing PPI work and working across clinical settings in the north of England and Northern Ireland.
You will be part of a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking research environment committed to making real clinical impact in person-centred dentistry and contributing to new directions for social and behavioural sciences in dentistry.
Main duties and responsibilities:- Conduct research aligned with the project's objectives, contributing to quantitative data collection and analysis involving advanced statistics and psychometrics.
- Conduct public and patient involvement work in line with patient-centred measurement, with patient groups and dental healthcare professionals.
- Use advanced statistical methods to establish the validity, reliability and longitudinal responsiveness to change in OHRQoL.
- Conduct nested qualitative research that delivers meaningful change.
- Manage and maintain datasets that contain personal data, research agreements for the transfer of data across institutes, ensuring data processing including anonymisation follows the highest standards.
- Work independently and collaboratively as part of the Transforming Oral Health research group, engaging with co-investigators and industry partners to meet project milestones and contribute to planning and delivery.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activity, including NHS ethics and governance protocols.
- Adhere to Health & Safety policies, including University travel regulations.
- Support the principal investigator in the strategic and day-to-day management of the project.
- Liaise regularly with the principal investigator, project supervisors, and industry partners, contributing to and where possible leading team meetings and strategic discussions.
- Prepare and deliver presentations for internal meetings, collaborators, and external audiences such as conferences.
- Undertake literature reviews to ensure the project is informed by the latest developments.
- Contribute to manuscript preparation, technical reports, and funding applications.
- Support responsible research conduct and sustainability practices.
- Carry out other duties as required, commensurate with the scope and grade of the post.
Our diverse community recognises unique abilities, backgrounds and beliefs. We foster a culture where everyone belongs and is respected. Please ensure you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Essential and Desirable Criteria:- PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area such as sociology, psychology or dental public health. — Essential
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant social, or psychological discipline. — Essential
- Proven ability to conduct independent research and evidence of outputs (e.g., publications, presentations). — Essential
- Experience in quantitative methods, specifically reliability, validity, effect sizes and standardised response mean. — Essential
- Experience with social and psychological theories and their role in data collection and analysis (e.g. models of disability, status passage, the Common-Sense Model (CSM) of illness self-regulation). — Essential
- Ability to conduct qualitative research including data analysis (e.g. Framework Analysis). — Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. — Essential
- Proven ability to write and present scientific data to diverse audiences and through different dissemination routes, independently and to a high standard. — Essential
- Strong teamworking and time-management skills. — Essential
- Experience with advanced statistical methods (e.g., Factorial surveys, Structural Equation Modelling). — Desirable
- Familiarity with AI-based analysis platforms (e.g. Google LM, Gemini). — Desirable
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784 - £44,746
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration: 1 July 2026 - 30 June 2028
Line manager: Principal Investigator
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Barry Gibson, Principal Investigator: on b.j.gibson@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process: It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 4 weeks of the application submission date. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the close of the application process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jennie Young on j.l.young@sheffield.ac.uk.
Disability Confident and Vision: We are a Disability Confident Employer. Our University 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. More details can be found at www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
Research Associate in Social Science & Oral Health in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
The University of Sheffield offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment, particularly within the Transforming Oral Health group, where collaboration and innovation are at the forefront of research in social science and oral health. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a supportive culture that values diversity, and the chance to make a tangible impact on patient experiences and public health. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and community spirit, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
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