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- Tasks: Collect and analyse data on physical activity through surveys and interviews.
- Company: Join the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research in a vibrant academic environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive leave, flexible working, and a commitment to your development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on research experience while contributing to impactful health projects.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in health or physical activity required.
- Other info: Diverse team with excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Research Assistant (Physical Activity Projects)
The University of Sheffield provided pay range
This range is provided by The University of Sheffield. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
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 a Research Assistant to work on physical activity‑related research projects under supervision. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who would like to gain research experience in qualitative and quantitative methods as well as real‑world evaluation. The work will include primary data collection (surveys, interviews, focus groups), data analysis (qualitative, quantitative and mixed‑methods), liaising with research collaborators and reporting findings. Experience of using a range of research methods is desirable and qualitative research experience is essential. The successful candidate will combine research with interpersonal skills, and will have the opportunity to learn alongside researchers in public health.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Work within research teams and liaise with research collaborators and funders.
- Attend research meetings.
- Conduct data collection and analysis (qualitative and quantitative) as appropriate to skills and training, such as undertaking interviews or analysing qualitative transcripts (e.g., using NVivo software).
- Report findings to various audiences in creative formats.
- Support the preparation of papers for academic journals.
- Support the presentation of findings at academic conferences.
- Ensure compliance with research ethics and data protection.
- Provide information, both written and verbal, to research participants, collaborators and funders.
- Prioritise tasks and allocate time to different studies as appropriate.
- Undertake advance planning to meet deadlines for formal study monitoring and study milestones (e.g., participant recruitment, data collection and data analysis).
- As a member of staff, you will also be encouraged to 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.
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 Criteria
- Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in a health, physical activity or sport related area.
- Experience conducting health‑related research.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues internally and externally.
- Ability to work independently and within a team.
- Ability to develop new skills and knowledge where necessary to facilitate the success of the current studies.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, including demonstrated ability to present information effectively to both academic and non‑academic target audiences in a variety of formats (e.g., workshops, presenting research via papers, lay summaries, email and meetings).
- Excellent IT skills with advanced experience of Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
- Willingness to travel for study sites and study meetings in the UK.
- Experience of qualitative research analysis and use of qualitative research software such as NVivo.
- Experience of a range of research methods, e.g., qualitative and quantitative.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of report writing or publications.
Further Information
Grade 6
Salary ÂŁ32,080 per annum pro rata
Work arrangement Part time – 14 hours per week (Monday to Thursday, NOT Friday), hybrid/flexible working from home/city campus office.
Duration Fixed term for 10 months with a start date of asap/in post by 1st December 2025.
Line manager Helen Quirk, Research Fellow
Direct reports n/a
Our website https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/scharr
For informal enquiries about this job contact Helen Quirk, Research Fellow: h.quirk@sheffield.ac.uk
Next Steps in the Recruitment Process
It is anticipated that the selection process, which will include an interview, will take place in late October/early 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 Karen Johnson – karen.johnson@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 38 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 (e.g., 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:
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
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
An enhanced 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 : 31/10/2025
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Research Assistant (Physical Activity Projects) employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Physical Activity Projects)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they look for in candidates and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your qualitative and quantitative research methods. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with them, but that we can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for physical activity research! When we talk about our experiences, let’s highlight any projects or studies we've been involved in that relate to health and physical activity. This will make us stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Sheffield.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Physical Activity Projects)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in health and physical activity research. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your qualifications and any research methods you’ve used.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about physical activity research and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves both qualitative and quantitative methods, make sure to mention any specific projects or experiences where you've used these skills. We’re keen to know how you’ve collected and analysed data in the past!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our amazing benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Research Methods
Brush up on both qualitative and quantitative research methods before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with surveys, interviews, and focus groups, as well as how you've analysed data in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since liaising with research collaborators is key, think of examples where you’ve successfully worked in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to achieving common goals in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Real-World Evaluation Questions
Expect questions about real-world evaluation in your field. Prepare to discuss how you would approach evaluating physical activity projects and any relevant experiences you have that demonstrate your understanding of this process.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity
The role values diversity, so be prepared to talk about how you can contribute to an inclusive research environment. Share any experiences or perspectives that highlight your commitment to diversity in research and teamwork.
