Stage(s) assessed at: Postgraduate qualification (Masters level or equivalent experience) in a numerate subject e.g. Economics, Health Economics, Epidemiology, Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics, Data Science etc.
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 pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Overview
The Health Economics and Decision Science (HEDS) section in the School of Medicine & Population Health is seeking to appoint a Research Associate in Health Economic Modelling. You will work on applied and methodological research projects focussed on policies involving interventions affecting health, economic and wider societal outcomes across the lifecourse.
The research team is at the forefront of public health economic microsimulation modelling. You will contribute to project work focussed on quantitative analyses of the public health and healthcare interventions, writing future research proposals, dissemination of research findings through peer‑reviewed publications, academic conferences and engagement with policy and practice stakeholders and the public. You will develop your methodological research interests, and could contribute to delivery of Masters level teaching, and supervising postgraduate research students.
You should have a Masters and PhD, or equivalent work experience, in a relevant numerate subject, for example, mathematics, operational research, statistics or economics. Ideally, you should have an emerging track record of peer‑reviewed publications and research impact.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Undertake research as part of multidisciplinary teams focused on Health Economic Modelling, working on the development and running of cost‑benefit analysis and microsimulation modelling to assess public health and healthcare interventions.
* Undertake methodological research in health economics and decision sciences.
* Contribute to the design, development and writing of proposals for research and knowledge exchange projects.
* Undertake statistical analysis of datasets.
* Disseminate research findings through publication in leading peer‑reviewed health and medical journals and presenting papers at conferences.
* Contribute to literature review, data analysis and elicitation processes to obtain model parameters.
* Prepare research documents including research reports, project updates and briefing papers.
* Communicate effectively with research partners and collaborators both within and outside the university including international collaborators.
* Involvement in professional activities such as organising local research events.
* Contribute to the Section’s teaching by delivering lectures and tutorials, external short courses and developing online teaching materials.
* Make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’ including achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research.
* Encourage 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.
Criteria
Essential
* Application & Interview: A PhD (or equivalent research work experience) in a quantitative discipline related to the research programme e.g. health economics, simulation or systems modelling, data science on health or healthcare, broader economics etc.
* Application & Interview: Experience in use of data & evidence to populate parameterise a model e.g. by undertaking literature reviews, data analysis and elicitation.
* Interview: Capable of contributing to the design, development and writing of research and knowledge exchange proposals.
* Interview: Experience of undertaking decision‑analytic modelling for public health or healthcare interventions.
* Interview: Strong organisational skills to manage input into several research projects at the same time.
* Interview: Respect for confidentiality and awareness of ethical issues.
Desirable
* Interview: Experience of using modelling software tools to model systems e.g. R / Python / VBA / bespoke microsimulation or other software packages.
* Application & Interview: Good knowledge of statistical methods relating to the analysis of cross‑sectional and longitudinal datasets.
* Desirable: Publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
* Desirable: Experience of undergraduate, postgraduate or short course teaching.
* Desirable: Ability to communicate effectively in oral, written and presentation modes in the academic and health policy environments.
Further Information
* Grade: 7
* Salary: £38,784 – £47,389 per annum, with potential to progress to £51,753
* Work arrangement: Full‑time
* Duration: 2 years
* Start date: 1 April 2026
* Line manager: Senior Research Fellow / Professor in Health Economics and Decision Science
* Direct reports: None
* Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/scharr
* Informal enquiries: Professor Alan Brennan (a.brennan@sheffield.ac.uk), Professor Tracey Young (t.a.young@sheffield.ac.uk), Professor Hazel Squires (h.squires@sheffield.ac.uk)
* Next steps in the recruitment process: Selection will take place on 9 March 2026, consisting of a presentation, interview questions and an aptitude test. Candidates will be informed of progression to the selection stage during the week commencing 23 February 2026. Adjustments for support can be requested at dph-section-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.
* Our vision and strategic plan: We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
* What We Offer:
o A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
o Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
o Generous pension scheme.
o A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
o 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).
o Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
o A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
o A range of generous family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies; support for those going through menopause; paid time off and support for fertility treatment; and more.
* 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: 12/04/2026
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