Research Assistant

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support a project on infectious illness symptoms. This role involves data analysis, manuscript preparation, and communication of findings, offering valuable experience in applied health psychology research.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research.
• Ability to write research findings for peer-reviewed venues.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Analyze data using qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Assist in preparing research manuscripts for publication.

Skills

Research experience

Statistical analysis

Communication

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Honours degree in Psychology

MSc in Psychology

Tools

R

SPSS

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 range of benefits including a competitive annual leave entitlement (with options to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, retail discounts, and more. Find out more about our benefits and join us to be part of something special.

Overview

This part-time Research Assistant role supports a project exploring why individuals work with infectious illness symptoms, aiming to develop interventions. It offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in applied health psychology research involving both quantitative and qualitative methods. The successful candidate will assist with data analysis, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of findings, based in the Wellbeing of Individuals and Society research cluster within the School of Psychology. Essential skills include research experience, strong statistical analysis capabilities, a background in Psychology, and knowledge of Health Psychology. Excellent organizational and communication skills are also required. The post supports Dr. Rebecca Webster’s research and contributes to the School’s research strategy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines
2. Handle administrative tasks related to the research project (e.g., communication updates)
3. Code and process research data
4. Analyze data using qualitative and quantitative methods
5. Assist in preparing research manuscripts for publication
6. Create accessible resources for non-academic audiences to communicate findings
7. Ensure health and safety responsibilities are met within the department
8. Perform administrative duties as needed
9. Make ethical decisions aligned with the University’s sustainability strategy
10. Perform other duties as appropriate

Person Specification

We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds. Even if your experience doesn't match all criteria, your contribution is valuable. Please reference the criteria in your application statement.

Essential Criteria

• Honours degree in Psychology
• Excellent knowledge of Health Psychology
• Experience in quantitative and qualitative research
• Proficiency with statistical software (e.g., R or SPSS)
• Ability to write research findings for peer-reviewed venues
• Time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Creative problem-solving abilities
• Flexibility and effectiveness in work
• Enthusiasm and commitment to research

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with behaviour change models like COM-B or TDF
• MSc in Psychology

Further Information

Grade: 6.1

Duration: 5 months (1 July 2025 – 1 December 2025), start date flexible

Line manager: Dr. Rebecca Webster

For informal enquiries: [e-mail]

Next Steps

Selection will occur in June 2025, with notifications in the week of 26 May 2025. Support or adjustments for the recruitment process can be requested via [e-mail].

Our Vision and Benefits

We are committed to building a diverse community that values all backgrounds and beliefs. Additional benefits include generous leave, flexible working, pension schemes, discounts, staff networks, recognition awards, development schemes, and family-friendly policies. More details are available on our benefits page.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from disabled candidates. Our university’s reputation for excellence aims to make a positive societal impact through diverse and innovative research and teaching.