The University of Sheffield
Research Associate
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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
The postholder will work with Prof Andrew Bell on an ESRC-funded project entitled ‘Refining and embedding the Intersectional MAIHDA approach to intersectionality in quantitative social science research’, in collaboration with colleagues at Universities of Sheffield, Bristol, Loughborough, and Oregon.
This Role Will Involve Working On a Smaller Project Within This Project, In Collaboration With The Project Investigators. The Exact Nature Of That Project Will Depend On The Interests And Skills Of The Successful Applicant. It Could Include:
- A methodological study, using simulations, to test the MAIHDA approach in different scenarios;
- A substantive project, using a large dataset (such as Understanding Society) to produce an application of MAIHDA in a discipline where it has rarely been used in the past, or that incorporates MAIHDA with other methods (e.g. policy analysis or spatial analysis);
- Development of training resources, for instance an R Shiny app that helps researchers make good decisions when using the method, or animated videos that showcases the MAIHDA approach.
However, we are open to hearing ideas for work that the applicant would like to be involved in.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
The role holder will work on a particular project: potentially one of the following, or potentially a different MAIHDA-related idea. As such, the exact duties will vary depending on the project, but could include the following:
- Run simulation studies, to evaluate the MAIHDA method and/or extensions to it in particular data situations.
- Apply the MAIHDA method and extensions to a substantive research question, using large datasets such as Understanding Society. This could include health inequalities (with outcomes such as obesity and Covid-19 impacts), or other outcomes that are of interest to the postholder.
- Produce an application of an extension of MAIHDA - for instance incorporating policy evaluation or spatial analysis into a MAIHDA approach.
- Contribute to the preparation (and where desired, the delivery) of teaching materials in workshops in the use of MAIHDA and the extensions developed in the grant, both in Sheffield and beyond.
- Contribute to preparation of a journal article based on the above work.
- Carry out administrative duties, including data management.
- Liaise closely with the PI and Co-Is.
- 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 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 Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
- Have an undergraduate and masters in a quantitative social science or cognate subject (for instance, Geography, Economics, Social Epidemiology, etc) or equivalent, and be working towards a PhD in one of these subjects
Essential
Application
- Experience of, and skills in, undertaking advanced quantitative social science / health research, that involves complex analysis of large datasets, and running multilevel models - ideally including running a MAIHDA model.
- Experience of using, and skills in, coding to do quantitative analysis, ideally using R or Stata.
- Excellent report/paper writing skills.
- An interest in social/health inequalities and intersectionality.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent information technology skills in the use of relevant software such as Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel).
- Ability to adapt skills to new circumstances and acquire new skills of relevance to the role.
- Ability to work independently, seek guidance where appropriate, and to work effectively in a team.
- Proven ability to prioritise workload and deliver to specified deadlines.
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784.00 - £47,389.00
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
3 month post, that would need to start on or before 1st December
Line manager
Principal Investigator, “Refining and embedding the Intersectional MAIHDA approach to intersectionality in quantitative social science research” project
Direct reports
n/a
Right to work in the UK
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
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Our website
For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof. Andrew Bell, PI on the above mentioned grant, on andrew.j.d.bell@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process
Please apply by submitting a CV and a cover letter, detailing your reasons for interest in the role, and ideas for what you would like to do in the role. The selection will take place following the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact edc-ops@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 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 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 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.
- 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 (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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 : 14/10/2026
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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