Research Associate (HDRC)

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.