Research Associate PHIRST
School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England, United Kingdom
Salary
£38,784 - £51,753
Job Type
Full-time
Duration
1st February 2026 to 31st May 2027 (15 months)
Line Manager
G9 Senior Research Fellow
Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the world-renowned Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR) at the University of Sheffield. We are seeking to appoint a mixed methods researcher, with experience in evaluation methodologies, to join the Section of Public Health within the School of Medicine and Population Health. The role is to support a process and outcomes evaluation of the Public Health Intervention Responsive Studies Teams (PHIRST) scheme (https://phirst.nihr.ac.uk/) and is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research (PHR) Programme.
You will work with the project team and support the work package leads to undertake a rapid evidence synthesis of PHIRST projects, develop, implement and analyse a national online survey, undertake an in-depth qualitative analysis of PHIRST projects and assist with the synthesis of evidence for the final report and other dissemination activities.
In addition to strong research and evaluation skills, we require someone with excellent interpersonal communication skills and a proven ability to work independently and to deliver work to tight timescales. Knowledge and/or experience of working in or with Local Government is desirable.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Assist with a rapid evidence synthesis and the collection and analysis of primary data (e.g. surveys and interviews) in line with methodologies set out within the evaluation protocol.
* Assist with the recruitment of participants to the evaluation.
* Carry out evaluation activities to an appropriate standard to meet agreed timelines, and project milestones.
* Provide feedback to Principal Investigators and Evaluation Manager to ensure effective delivery of the evaluation.
* Coordinate and liaise with the work package leads regarding work planning and progress.
* Assist with necessary ethical approval R & D and research registry registrations for the project.
* Observe the confidentiality of participant information at all times, in accordance with the Data Protection Act and to ensure that all study documentation is kept in a clearly trackable system and is stored confidentially.
* Produce progress reports and a final report/other outputs, working collaboratively with the evaluation team and NIHR to ensure due diligence to project governance requirements.
* Attend and contribute to regular meetings and workshops/events appropriate to the project.
* Contribute to the evaluation synthesis and dissemination activities required by the funders.
* Assist with the preparation of papers for publications, disseminate findings at conferences and travel as required.
* Make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘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.
* 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 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.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
* Good honours degree and a masters in a related field or equivalent qualitative research experience.
* Experience of undertaking process and outcome evaluations.
* Experience of undertaking and/or supporting rapid evidence synthesis.
* Qualitative research experience including collecting and analysing qualitative data.
* Experience of recruiting to surveys and conducting quantitative analysis of survey data.
* Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to liaise effectively with colleagues, internal and external stakeholders.
* IT literate across a wide range of applications including Word, Excel, SPSS, Google and Microsoft Teams.
* Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to work to deadlines and manage your own workload.
* Flexible, reliable and professional approach to work.
* Experience of working in/conducting research with Local Government organisations.
Desirable
* Any additional relevant experience not listed above.
Benefits
* 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 range 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 menopause, paid time off and support for fertility treatment, and more.
Next Steps in the Recruitment Process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Wednesday 14th January 2026. This will consist of an interview and a 5‑minute presentation entitled ‘Undertaking process and outcomes evaluation: key challenges and barriers’. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 15th December 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 at karen.johnson@sheffield.ac.uk.
Closing Date
30/11/2025
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