Research Associate (Networks Evidence and Evaluation Officer) in Sheffield

IMPACT (‘Improving Adult Care Together’) is a UK‑wide centre for implementing evidence in adult social care, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Health Foundation. IMPACT builds on knowledge gained from different types of research, the lived experience of people who draw on care and support and their carers, and the practice knowledge of social care staff.

Responsibilities

• Work with the IMPACT Networks team to prepare evidence reviews and materials for Local Networks, recruit coordinators, and organise and facilitate meetings.
• Work closely with IMPACT’s central Evidence and Evaluation team.
• Draft evidence briefs and accessible summaries to support policy and practice implementation of robust evidence, and contribute to IMPACT‑related academic publications.
• Support the evaluation and monitoring of the IMPACT Networks and ensure accurate and timely reporting and the implementation of IMPACT procedures.
• Proactively identify and manage risks and challenges, implementing timely solutions to safeguard the achievement of Centre objectives.
• Contribute to CIRCLE’s research‑related activities.
• 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.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Supporting the use of evidence within IMPACT Networks.
• Evaluating the impact of IMPACT Networks in terms of:
• use of evidence to shape change;
• relationships between different stakeholders in adult social care;
• capacity building of the organisations and stakeholders we work with;
• facilitators and barriers to using evidence in practice;
• longer‑term impact of IMPACT Networks.

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.

Criteria

• PhD in a relevant subject area (or near to completion), or equivalent expertise.
• Awareness of the current state of research in one or more fields relevant to adult social care.
• Expertise in different evaluation approaches.
• Experience of knowledge exchange and impact work, and of taking research findings into real‑world application.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Ability to value and work with lived experience / practice knowledge.
• An understanding of ED&I principles and how they are relevant to adult social care and high‑quality research.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and skills in coordinating own work with that of others to ensure effective team‑working.
• Good planning, organisational and time‑management skills.
• Commitment to co‑production and engagement.

Further information

• Grade: 7
• Work arrangement: Full‑time
• Duration: As soon as possible until 31 December 2027
• Line manager: IMPACT Networks Lead
• Direct reports: N/A

Next steps

The selection process will take place on 3 September 2026, consisting of an interview and a presentation. Contact Kelly Davidge on k.s.davidge@sheffield.ac.uk for any support or adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Criminal record

A standard DBS check will be needed for this role. Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield.

Benefits

• Minimum 41 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• Access to staff networks providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s, Parent’s networks).
• Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
• Commitment to development: learning and mentoring schemes integrated with Academic Career Pathways.
• Family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, menopause support, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.

The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, +44 114 222 2000