The University of Sheffield
Research Assistant / Research Associate in Systematic Reviewing
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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
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant (Grade 6) or Research Associate (Grade 7) in Systematic Reviewing to join our Evidence Synthesis Centres within the School of Medicine and Population Health.
You will deliver high quality systematic reviews, rapid reviews, mapping reviews and health technology assessment critiques. Your work will inform policy decisions made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) and other organisations. As a motivated self-starter, you will also have the opportunity to develop (or collaborate on) funding proposals and the development of systematic review methodologies. You will be responsible for the dissemination of findings in peer-reviewed journals and at conferences, and may undertake postgraduate teaching and student supervision.
You will have a PhD (for the Grade 7 Research Associate role) or postgraduate qualification (for the Grade 6 Research Assistant role) in a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in systematic reviewing. Expertise in conducting reviews of diagnostic tests and screening programmes will be an advantage. You will possess strong numerical skills, a high level of attention to detail and excellent scientific writing ability. You should also have a good working knowledge of appropriate software such as systematic review packages, AI packages, Microsoft Office and reference management software.
We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
Working under the supervision of a senior researcher, you will participate in a variety of activities such as:
- Carry out (Grade 7) or contribute to (Grade 6) high-quality systematic reviews across a range of topics to inform national health policy, for clients including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) and other organisations. Tasks may include study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, data synthesis and interpretation of findings.
- Appraise the clinical evidence components of Health Technology Assessments submitted to NICE, as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Work collaboratively with wider members of the project team, including members of our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) team, information specialists, economic modellers, statisticians, clinical experts, and the project co-ordinator.
- Write clear and concise reports to summarise your findings, paying close attention to detail.
- Communicate effectively with funders, stakeholders and collaborators both within and external to the University.
- Plan and manage your contribution to each project, in conjunction with the project team, to meet agreed deadlines.
- Disseminate research findings through writing (Grade 7) or contributing to (Grade 6) publications for peer reviewed journals and presentations at conferences or seminars.
- Develop (Grade 7) or contribute to (Grade 6) grant proposals for research and knowledge exchange projects.
- Undertake (Grade 7) or contribute to (Grade 6) methodological research in systematic reviewing and evidence synthesis.
- Contribute to our teaching programme, including delivering lectures, tutorials and short courses, developing online teaching materials, and supervising students.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
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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
| Criteria | Essential/Desirable | Stage(s) assessed at |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a health-related discipline, or equivalent experience | Essential | Application |
| PhD in a health-related discipline, or equivalent experience | Essential (Grade 7) | Application |
| Experience of undertaking key stages of systematic reviewing for health topics, such as study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, data checking and synthesis | Essential | Application and interview |
| Experience of leading at least one multidisciplinary systematic review/evidence synthesis on a health topic | Essential (Grade 7) | Application and interview |
| Good IT skills and experience in relevant software such as systematic review packages, AI packages, Microsoft Office and reference management software | Essential | Application and interview |
| Excellent numerical ability and experience of understanding, critiquing and analysing quantitative health research studies | Essential | Application and interview |
| Excellent ability to write clear and concise reports and presentations, with an excellent level of attention to detail | Essential | Application and interview |
| Ability to communicate effectively and work productively within a multidisciplinary team | Essential | Application and interview |
| Ability to prioritise workload and complete work to strict deadlines | Essential | Application and interview |
| Experience of conducting appraisals for NICE and/or the UK National Screening Committee, or similar work for other health technology or health policy agencies | Essential (Grade 7) Desirable (Grade 6) | Application and interview |
| Experience of developing research or knowledge exchange funding proposals | Essential (Grade 7) Desirable (Grade 6) | Application and interview |
| Experience of undertaking systematic reviews of screening or diagnostic tests | Desirable | Application and interview |
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Further Information
| Grade | Salary | Work arrangement | Duration | Line manager | Direct reports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 or 7 | Grade 6 pay range £32,080 to £36,636, with the possibility to progress to £39,906 Grade 7 pay range £38,784 to £47,389, with the possibility to progress to £51,753 | Full-time (may consider part-time at a minimum of 80% FTE). Hybrid considered (minimum 60% in the office). | Start date as soon as possible. Funding is for a fixed term of 2 years, with the possibility of extension should funding allow. | Senior Research Fellow in Systematic Reviewing | None |
Our website
- https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph
- https://sheffield.ac.uk/scharr/research/health-economics-and-decision-science
- https://sheffield.ac.uk/scharr/research/scharr-tag
- https://senss.sheffield.ac.uk/
For informal enquiries about this job, please contact (please include both staff members in your email):
- Sue Harnan, Senior Research Fellow, s.harnan@sheffield.ac.uk
- Katy Cooper, Senior Research Fellow, k.l.cooper@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place during the weeks commencing 12 or 19 October 2026. This will consist of an interview and a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage during the week commencing 5 October 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact 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 (opens in new window).
What We Offer
A minimum of 38 days (grade 6) and 41 days (grade 7) 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 through access to learning and mentoring schemes integrated with our Academic Career Pathway A range of generous family-friendly policies paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies access to menopause support in the workplace paid time off and support for fertility treatment and more More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits
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