Research Assistant

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned UK university is seeking a Research Assistant to contribute to a vital project on improving personalized care for Motor Neuron Disease. You will manage qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and engage with healthcare professionals. The role requires a Master's degree in a relevant discipline and experience in systematic reviews and data analysis. This position offers competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and generous annual leave.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Flexible working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Wide range of retail discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in systematic reviews (protocol design, conduct, and reporting).
• Experience in designing and analyzing online questionnaire surveys.
• Experience in qualitative research methods including interviews.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate research protocols and governance approvals.
• Lead systematic review processes.
• Manage online questionnaire surveys using Qualtrics.

Skills

Systematic reviews

Qualitative research methods

Data analysis

Recruitment of healthcare staff

Excellent written and verbal communication

Education

MSc in Neuroscience/Neurodegeneration

Tools

Qualtrics

NVivo

Job description

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 and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Assistant to join the world-renowned Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). You will contribute to an innovative mixed-methods research project, “Predicting and Anticipating Care Events in MND (PACE-MND),” funded by the MND Association.

This vital project focuses on improving personalised care for people living with Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The aim is to explore the best way to integrate a personalised care prediction model into clinical services to enhance shared decision‑making about future care provisions, such as the need for gastrostomy or wheelchair use, thereby improving patient quality of life.

Working with Dr. Haris Stavroulakis, a Principal Investigator within the “Better Outcomes in MND” research group, established by Professor Chris McDermott, you will apply your expertise in systematic reviews, qualitative methods, quantitative surveys, and ethics co‑ordination. This is an outstanding opportunity to undertake high-quality, translational research, making a direct and meaningful impact on the UK healthcare service.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Co‑ordinating and drafting necessary documentation for research protocols, ethics submissions, and governance approvals to ensure timely project commencement and compliance.
• Leading the conduct of a systematic review, including protocol design, screening, data extraction, and synthesis of relevant literature to inform the project.
• Assisting in the design, distribution (using Qualtrics), and management of online questionnaire surveys targeting relevant stakeholders (patients, carers, and healthcare professionals).
• Planning and leading qualitative data collection, including semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups. Assist in analysing qualitative data using thematic analysis and software such as NVivo.
• Implementing effective strategies for participant recruitment, particularly healthcare staff in clinical settings.
• Organising and conducting Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities throughout the project.
• Ensuring accurate data management, maintaining comprehensive project records, and contributing to the drafting of interim reports, academic papers, and dissemination documents.
• Actively participating in regular project team meetings and working effectively within a multi-disciplinary team environment that includes researchers and healthcare professionals.
• Presenting research findings at internal meetings, national conferences, and contributing to the writing of manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publication.
• 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

MSc in Neuroscience/Neurodegeneration or a demonstrably relevant discipline.

Essential Requirements

Experience in systematic reviews (including protocol design, conduct and reporting/analysis).

Experience in the design, distribution (using Qualtrics) and analysis of online questionnaire surveys.

Experience in qualitative research methods, including data collection (e.g., interviews/focus groups), thematic analysis (e.g., with the use of NVivo).

Proven experience in recruiting healthcare staff as research participants in health care or community settings.

Demonstrable experience in co‑ordinating and drafting ethics submissions.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience with academic report writing and writing for peer‑reviewed publication.

A positive collaborative attitude and experience working effectively within a multi-disciplinary research team.

Further Information

Grade: 6

Salary: £32,080‑£34,610

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: Asap start to 31/03/2028

Line manager: Lecturer in Clinical Neuroscience

Direct reports: Lecturer in Clinical Neuroscience

Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/sitran

For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Haris Stavroulakis, Lecturer in Clinical Neuroscience: [e-mail] or 0114 222 2294

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in November. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the advert closing. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Staffing Team at [e-mail].

What We Offer

• A minimum of 38 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
• support for those going through the menopause
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: https://sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits

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: 16/11/2025

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.