Research Associate - Co-Centre for Sustainable Food in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do and their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world‑class university. This role is based in Belfast. We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join the Co‑Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, a 6‑year, €35M research investment funded by Research Ireland, UKRI and DAERA. The Co‑Centre brings together an academic team from 17 research institutions across all three jurisdictions. Your work will support Professor Louise Dye in conducting research within the Nutrition‑and‑Health platform, examining equitable access to breakfast provision and intake in children and adolescents across the Island of Ireland, and contributing to the transition to health‑driven diets (HDSS) and the management of micronutrient deficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Design appropriate tools and studies to determine and influence breakfast consumption behaviour in children and adolescents (aged 5‑18 years).
• Support the design and evaluation of School Breakfast Programmes (SBPs) across the Island of Ireland.
• Work with stakeholders and implementing partners to determine the impact of SBP on diet quality and attendance (vs control schools).
• Co‑design and conduct studies to evaluate how SBPs could be enhanced by the addition of other foods and the impact on pupil health and wellbeing.
• Analyse resulting data and maintain high ethical standards, including confidentiality and good data management.
• Plan research contributions 3 months ahead, incorporating resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall aims.
• Liaise closely with other academics, advisers, administrators and external partners such as SBP providers, industry partners and policymakers.
• Prepare analytical results, reports, academic publications and presentations to share findings within and beyond the Co‑Centre.
• Collaborate with and support other Co‑Centre members, partners and stakeholders.
• Attend and contribute to conference presentations, practitioner workshops and research meetings, and assist in running these including education and public engagement (EPE) activities.
• Undergo a DBS check for working in schools.
• Apply ethical decision‑making within the role, embedding the University’s sustainability strategy wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Qualifications & Experience

• Undergraduate qualification (e.g., BSc) in a human‑based discipline such as psychology, sociology, nutrition, health or a related field.
• Post‑graduate qualification in nutrition, psychology, sociology, health/diet or a closely related area.
• Experience in the design, conduct and analysis of quantitative and qualitative research involving children and external stakeholders in both free‑living and laboratory settings, including preparing study protocols and applications for ethical approval.
• Agile research or work experience and ability to engage effectively and sensitively with wide‑ranging stakeholders (industry, local authorities, community groups, low‑income families and individuals).
• Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, legislation and quality standards, and familiarity with University research systems and policies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and demonstrated ability to present information effectively to academic and non‑academic audiences.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills, capacity to assess and organise resources and plan and progress work activities.
• Proficient IT skills, including data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS and shared‑working systems.
• Positive attitude to collaborative research and experience working effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel to other sites and conduct research across the UK and Ireland.
• Experience of co‑production approaches and techniques with stakeholders, including designing outputs for end‑users, education and public engagement activities.

Salary and Working Hours

£38,784 – £41,064 per annum (potential to progress). Full‑time position for 12 months. Grade 7.

Benefits

• Minimum 41 days annual leave (pro‑rated in part‑time roles), with the possibility to purchase additional days.
• Flexible working (including hybrid arrangements for some roles).
• Generous pension scheme.
• Wide range of discounts and rewards (shopping, eating out, travel).
• Staff networks providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development.
• Acknowledgement of innovation through recognition awards.
• Commitment to development with access to learning, mentoring and academic career pathways.
• Family‑friendly policies, including paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for menopause and fertility treatment.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Sheffield is a Disability‑Confident Employer. Applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria will be invited to the next stage of the selection process. Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually in accordance with the University’s policy.

Contact for Informal Enquiries

Professor Louise Dye, Principal Investigator – email: l.dye@sheffield.ac.uk