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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research, fieldwork, and engage with local communities to enhance biodiversity.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a leader in innovative research and social impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive community with various staff networks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental sustainability while collaborating with diverse partners.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Part-time role for 48 months starting September 2025, with opportunities for personal development.
The predicted salary is between 31900 - 38300 £ per year.
Overview
We are seeking two dedicated and enthusiastic Research Associates (50% FTE) to join an exciting programme of research on gender‑based violence and child sexual abuse (CSA). The posts are funded through the NIHR Three Schools Prevention Research Programme for the VOICE project (Valuing Our Insights: Culturally informed Engagement for South Asian Child Sexual Abuse Survivors).
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Assist the PI and team in the administration of the research project as appropriate
Conduct analysis of the existing literature
Contribute to the design of data collection tools
Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
Interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes
Facilitate project recruitment and sampling
Conduct Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities
Contribute to the organisation of stakeholder meetings
Contribute to research ethics approval, data management, and storage
Disseminate the findings by, for example, co‑authoring research papers with the team and presenting at local and national programmes
Assist the team in promoting the project through social media platforms
Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the research team and non‑academic stakeholders
Undertake training and development activities relevant to the role
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Essential Criteria
PhD (or near completion) in psychology, social sciences, health, nursing or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
Experience and/or interest in carrying out research with vulnerable groups and/or the health and social care workforce
Experience of reviewing the evidence base, scoping or mapping the area
Experience and skills in undertaking qualitative and (basic) quantitative research
Experience of working and/or conducting research on sensitive topics such as gender‑based violence and child sexual abuse
Initiative, motivation, ability to work in teams and to liaise with other team members and project collaborators
Evidence of working collaboratively across organisational boundaries and with other disciplines
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, and ability to communicate with a diverse audience (e.g. stakeholders, health and social care staff, academics)
Ability to speak South Asian languages (Urud, Punjabi, Pahari)
Desirable Criteria
Experience of conducting engagement activities with public and patients
Ability to prioritise own workload and handle competing demands and deadlines
Grade and Salary
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784‑£41,064 (G7.5 max)
Work Arrangement and Duration
Part‑time, 17.5 hours per week
Duration: 01‑04‑2026 – 31‑03‑2027
Line Manager
Project Principal Investigator
Benefits
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including
Research Associate 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 Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the INNATURE project and its objectives. Understanding the project's goals will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their mission during discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and past researchers involved in similar projects. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with participatory research and civic engagement. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with diverse stakeholders, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent developments in biodiversity monitoring and eco-social design. Being knowledgeable about current trends and methodologies will demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific requirements of the Research Associate role. Refer directly to the essential criteria listed in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous research experience, particularly in participatory research and action. Provide examples of how you've engaged with diverse stakeholders and contributed to impactful projects.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, include examples of your writing and presentation skills. Mention any peer-reviewed papers or reports you have authored, and describe your experience in presenting findings to various audiences.
Highlight Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Discuss any experience you have working collaboratively across disciplines. This could include partnerships with local communities, academic institutions, or other stakeholders relevant to biodiversity and social inclusion.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the INNATURE project and its objectives. Understand the role of each partner and how your work will contribute to enhancing biodiversity and social inclusion. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the project.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous research experiences, particularly those involving participatory methods and data analysis. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders or conducted impactful research, as this aligns closely with the job requirements.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since effective communication is crucial for this role, consider preparing a brief presentation of your past work or research findings. This will not only showcase your verbal skills but also your ability to present complex information in an accessible way.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience working in interdisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've built relationships with partners and stakeholders, and how you’ve contributed to collaborative projects. This will show that you can thrive in a team-oriented environment, which is essential for this position.