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- Tasks: Support public health research projects that impact the wellbeing of Doncaster's population.
- Company: The University of Sheffield is a world-class institution committed to diversity and excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, discounts, and a strong focus on your development.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team making a real difference in public health while developing your career.
- Qualifications: A degree in public health research and experience with qualitative methods are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to work across multiple institutions and contribute to impactful research.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 44000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Research Associate (HDRC) role at The University of Sheffield
Join to apply for the Research Associate (HDRC) role at The University of Sheffield
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 to appoint an ‘embedded researcher’ in the Section of Public Health within the School of Medicine and Population Health. This is an exciting opportunity to support and develop a range of project work being undertaken in the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) led by the City of Doncaster Council (CDC) and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). You will work within a multi-disciplinary cross-organisational team based in CDC, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University; and will be co-located within these three institutions. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop your career and work with colleagues at CDC and academic teams in both Sheffield universities to deliver research and knowledge mobilisation that has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of the population of Doncaster. You will work closely with local authority colleagues and other stakeholders and participate in generating research impact within a supportive, flexible and friendly environment.
An understanding of the wider determinants of health and an appreciation of wider public health policy and practice is desirable. Therefore, the post would suit someone with experience of working with public health practitioners in a local government setting.
You will have strong qualitative research experience and understand participatory research methods. An understanding of quantitative data collection, analysis and knowledge mobilisation is desirable. In addition, you will have strong spoken and written communication skills to liaise with multiple partners and external bodies. Excellent interpersonal skills are also essential.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Contribute to applied research, evaluation and knowledge mobilisation projects that meet the aims and vision for the HDRC Doncaster and generate outputs that have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of the population of Doncaster.
- Undertake literature reviewing and synthesis of relevant literature in formats for a wide range of audiences.
- Undertake qualitative data collection and analysis alongside the HDRC research team.
- Attend and contribute to regular meetings and workshops/events related to HDRC activities.
- Contribute to obtaining appropriate ethical approval, research governance and research registry registrations for HDRC activities.
- Contribute to applications for further funding, annual reports and other reports required by funders.
- Assist in the preparation of papers for publication and disseminate findings at conferences as required.
- Assist with the preparation of non-academic outputs and evidence-based actionable tools for getting research into practice.
- You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements. Further information on the underpinning values of the Sheffield Academic can be found at: Sheffield Academic
- As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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 are 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.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
A good honours degree and postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in public health research
Essential
Application/interview
Knowledge and/or experience of working in or with Local Government
Essential
Application/interview
Knowledge and understanding of public health policy and practice in the UK
Essential
Application/interview /presentation
Qualitative research experience including collecting and analysing qualitative data
Essential
Application/interview
Experience of quantitative data collection, analysis, and knowledge mobilisation
Desirable
Application/interview
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues, internal and external stakeholders
Essential
Application/interview/presentation
IT literate across a wide range of applications including word, excel, google and Microsoft Teams
Essential
Application/interview
Experience of delivering presentations to a range of audiences (e.g. academics, public health practitioners and policy makers, public fora and community groups)
Desirable
Application/interview/presentation
Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to work to deadlines and manage your own workload
Essential
Application/interview
Flexible, reliable and professional approach to work
Essential
Application/interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,249-£51,039
Work arrangement
Full time onsite at University of Sheffield, Doncaster Council or Sheffield Hallam University (part time at 0.8 FTE would be considered – same would apply across all three sites)
Duration
To 30th September 2027 with potential for extension to 2032
Line manager
G9 Senior Research Fellow
Direct reports
n/a
Our website
https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/health-wellbeing/health-determinants-research-collaboration-hdrc-doncaster
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Annette Haywood, Senior Research Fellow on a.haywood@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 0802.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will consist of an interview via a panel and a 10-minute presentation: “Outline the challenges you may face as an embedded researcher working in local government and identify how you would address them”.
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in mid-August 2025 with interviews currently planned for Monday 1st September 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 41 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 (for example, 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
- and more
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.
Closing Date : 13/08/2025
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/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.
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Research Associate (HDRC) 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 (HDRC)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) and its projects. Understanding their current initiatives will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your skills can contribute to their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in public health, especially those connected to local government. Attend relevant events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and stakeholders, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking critically about the challenges of being an embedded researcher in local government. Formulate thoughtful strategies on how you would address these challenges, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your qualitative research methods and be ready to discuss your experience in data collection and analysis. Being able to articulate your past work and how it relates to the HDRC's objectives will strengthen your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (HDRC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Research Associate position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: In your application statement, clearly articulate your motivation for applying and how your background in public health research makes you a suitable candidate. Reference specific experiences that demonstrate your qualitative research skills and understanding of public health policy.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail any previous work with local government or public health practitioners. Use concrete examples to showcase your qualitative and quantitative research experience, as well as your communication skills.
Prepare for the Presentation: As part of the selection process, you'll need to deliver a presentation. Start preparing early by outlining potential challenges you might face as an embedded researcher and how you would address them. This will help you feel confident and ready for the interview.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Understand the Role and Its Context
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Research Associate role within the Health Determinants Research Collaboration. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects and objectives of the collaboration, as well as the broader public health policies that may impact your work.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
You will need to deliver a 10-minute presentation on the challenges of being an embedded researcher in local government. Think about potential obstacles such as bureaucratic processes or stakeholder engagement, and prepare clear strategies on how you would address these challenges.
✨Showcase Your Qualitative Research Skills
Highlight your experience in qualitative research during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you've used, how you've collected and analysed data, and any relevant outcomes from your previous projects that demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the HDRC.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Given the collaborative nature of this role, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully liaised with various stakeholders in the past, and be ready to discuss how you would communicate complex research findings to diverse audiences.
