At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to analyse the sustainability of the care home market across England.
- Company: University of Sheffield's School of Economics, fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engage with diverse teams and contribute to meaningful public engagement activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social care through groundbreaking research and data analysis.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and expertise in advanced quantitative methods required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 41064 £ per year.
We are excited to offer this opportunity for a Research Associate to join us in the School of Economics at the University of Sheffield. We are seeking a talented researcher with a strong background in quantitative analysis to contribute to an innovative project examining the sustainability of the care home market across England. This research is funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) and has an interdisciplinary research team across the Universities of Sheffield and Birmingham.
The project will provide the first ever picture of the evolution of the English care home market, identifying patterns of openings, closures, ownership changes, and service reconfigurations. It will also develop predictive indicators of unmet need and market risk, and produce a range of accessible resources (dashboards, short reports) for commissioners, providers and policymakers to inform evidence-based practice.
The successful candidate will contribute to the project’s quantitative analysis, mapping and modelling the relationship between care home characteristics and local market contexts using a novel national dataset. The project will run for 18 months, beginning on 1 October 2026.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Work on a day-to-day basis with the Principal Investigator Dr Lucy Ward.
- Undertake literature reviews relevant to the project scope.
- Construct the relevant care home and market datasets for the project from a variety of secondary sources, including the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Social Care Collection, and Census data.
- Assist in the quantitative modelling of the link between local market contexts and home stability, and assist in the development of risk-indicator tools.
- Collaborate with the project team to design and develop interactive dashboards and mapping tools using Microsoft Power BI.
- Contribute to the creation of insight reports, policy briefs and academic publications, ensuring findings are communicated effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Contribute to impact and public engagement activities, including stakeholders and the public.
- Support the organisation of relevant workshops, seminars and other events.
- Manage own time and ensure agreed project milestones/deliverables are met.
- 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 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:
- PhD in Economics, Statistics, Social Policy, Sociology or a related discipline, with significant evidence of training and application of advanced quantitative methods.
- Significant experience in using advanced quantitative methods, including multilevel and panel modelling techniques to analyse panel surveys and administrative data.
- Expertise in using large complex datasets, data linkage and data cleaning.
- Coding experience using relevant statistical package(s), e.g. Stata, R, Python.
- Experience in data visualisation (e.g. spatial analysis, data mapping, and the development of dashboards or interactive visualisation tools) to support data exploration, interpretation, and decision-making.
- Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Demonstrable interest in understanding and researching social care.
Desirable:
- Commitment to engaging with non-academic partners and to research impact.
- Commitment to co-production and involving users in research.
Essential:
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, including report writing and delivering presentations.
- Ability to design and report innovative research effectively in multiple forms (e.g. reports, journal articles, policy briefs, collaborative outputs).
- Ability to work independently, seeking guidance where appropriate, and to adapt own skills to new circumstances.
Grade: 7 | Salary: £38,784 – £41,064 | Work arrangement: 0.6 FTE | Duration: 1 Oct 2026 – 31 Mar 2028 | Line manager: Dr Lucy Ward | Direct reports: none | University website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/economics
Research Associate - sustainability of the care home market across England in Sheffield employer: Dunhillmedical
The University of Sheffield offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, where the School of Economics fosters collaboration and innovation in research. As a Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects that directly impact the sustainability of the care home market across England, while benefiting from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development and interdisciplinary teamwork. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to diversity, this role is ideal for those looking to make a significant contribution to social care research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - sustainability of the care home market across England in Sheffield
✨Get Involved in Local Sustainability Projects
Join community initiatives or volunteer for local environmental organisations. It’s a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience and connect with like-minded people. Plus, you might find out about part-time opportunities at these events that aren't even advertised!
✨Tap Into Sustainability Networks and Forums
Engage with online platforms and groups specifically focused on sustainability and environmental management. Think about joining LinkedIn groups or forums where professionals discuss the latest trends. You never know when a part-time role, like the one at Dunhillmedical, might pop up!
✨Attend Sustainability Events and Workshops
Keep an eye on events, workshops, and webinars related to sustainability in your area. These gatherings are gold mines for networking and you might even meet someone from Dunhillmedical! Collect business cards, chat with speakers, and make a memorable impression.
✨Showcase Your Passion on Social Media
Use platforms like Twitter or Instagram to share your thoughts on environmental issues that matter to you. Tag organisations you’re interested in, like Dunhillmedical. It’s a great way to catch their eye while proving your commitment to the field—and who doesn’t love a good social media stalk before hiring?
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - sustainability of the care home market across England in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sustainability Passion:In your CV and cover letter, let your enthusiasm for environmental management shine through. Talk about any projects or initiatives you've been involved in, whether they're from university, previous jobs, or personal passion projects. We want to see that you've got the heart and drive for sustainability!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Certifications:Make sure to emphasise any specific skills or certifications that relate to sustainability and environmental management. Whether it's knowledge of environmental legislation, sustainability reporting, or experience with specific tools and software - make those qualifications front and centre in your application!
Show Your Flexibility and Availability:Since this role is part-time, be clear about your availability in your application. Share how many hours you can commit and any specific days you're free. This shows us you're organised and ready to jump in without hesitation.
Keep it Concise and Relevant:Part-time roles often receive a lot of applications, so keep your application focused! Stick to the key experiences and skills that are most relevant to the role. Remember, the goal is to make a strong impression quickly, so get to the point while still showing your personality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dunhillmedical
✨Showcase Your Passion
We need to convey our genuine interest in sustainability. During the interview, share specific projects or initiatives you've been part of—whether that’s volunteering for environmental causes or studying relevant topics. Let them see that you're not just looking for any part-time gig, but that this is a cause you genuinely care about.
✨Know Your Environmental Policies
Make sure to brush up on current environmental policies and sustainable practices. We should be ready to discuss recent legislation or renewable technologies that impact our field. This shows not just that we know our stuff, but that we’re proactive about staying up-to-date in the sustainability arena.
✨Have Your Portfolio Ready
Since we’re aiming for a part-time role, having a solid portfolio can really set us apart. Include any reports, presentations, or projects that highlight our skills in environmental management. This will not only showcase our expertise but also demonstrate our ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations.
✨Expect Scenario-Based Questions
We might face scenario-based questions that test our problem-solving skills in real-world environmental issues. Think through potential scenarios beforehand—like how to improve waste management in a community or implement a green policy at a workplace. This will help us come across as strategic thinkers during the interview.
