Research Associate in Prison and Public Library Services

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Generous pension scheme

Staff networks and wellbeing support

Development and mentoring

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a Research Associate for a Knowledge Exchange project on library and information services within the criminal justice pathway. You will map evidence, plan practitioner workshops and draft outputs for policy audiences, drawing on library and education expertise.

The role offers part-time work (20% FTE), a pro rata salary, and opportunities to engage in policy-relevant research with diverse collaborators.

Qualifications

• PhD or nearing completion in library/ information studies, education or criminology.
• Strong written communication tailored for diverse audiences.
• Experience conducting evidence synthesis and literature reviews.
• Ability to engage with non-academic partners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to evidence-mapping of how library and prison services support people in the justice system.
• Plan and deliver practitioner workshops and draft outputs for audiences.
• Develop simple evaluation tools and disseminate findings.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to support engagement and communication.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the post.

Skills

Strong written communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent working

Evidence synthesis

Literature reviews

Education

PhD in librarianship, education, criminology or related area

First degree in a relevant subject area or equivalent experience

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 (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are appointing a Research Associate to assist with a Knowledge Exchange project led by the University of Sheffield. This project explores the support provided by prison and public library services at various points along the criminal justice journey.

The Research Associate will contribute to an evidence-mapping and prioritisation activity of current good practice. They will assist in developing and leading practitioner workshops and participate in drafting outputs for practitioner and policy audiences.

This role offers a chance to engage in policy-focused, applied research combining library and information science, education, and criminal justice. It is ideal for someone aiming to gain experience in research and stakeholder engagement within a practical policy environment while managing other study or work responsibilities.

We are seeking a candidate who has, or is currently working towards, a PhD in librarianship, education, criminology or a related area. You will have a strong interest in library services and/or criminal justice contexts, excellent written communication skills, and the ability to engage thoughtfully and sensitively with a diverse range of collaborators, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to an evidence-mapping exercise examining how prison and public libraries, working independently and collaboratively, support people and families affected by the criminal justice system.

• Help plan and deliver workshops for criminal justice practitioners and prison and public library staff.

• Develop and coordinate simple evaluation tools, such as pre-and post-workshop questions.

• Contribute to drafting accessible, audience‑specific resources for practitioners and library users.

• Contribute to dissemination activities, including planning and delivery of a project dissemination event.

• Liaise with a range of project stakeholders and partners, supporting effective communication, engagement and coordination throughout the project.

• 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

• A PhD, or currently working towards a PhD, in library and information studies, education, criminology or a related discipline. Essential - Application
• A first degree in a relevant subject area (or have equivalent experience). Essential - Application
• Understanding of, or demonstrable interest in, library and information services and/or criminal justice contexts. Essential - Application / interview
• Experience of undertaking evidence synthesis, literature reviews or similar scoping activities. Essential - Application / Interview
• Ability to synthesise evidence and communicate key findings and implications for practice. Essential - Application / Interview
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to communicate research findings clearly and appropriately for different audiences. Essential - Application / interview
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professionally and sensitively with a range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. Essential - Interview
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines within a part‑time role. Essential - Application / interview
• Knowledge of the prison, probation or wider criminal justice system, or of library services supporting people affected by incarceration. Desirable - Application / Interview
• Experience of working with non-academic partners or contributing to knowledge exchange activities. Desirable - Application / Interview

Further Information

• Grade: 7
• Salary: £38,784-£43,482 pro rata
• Work arrangement: Part-time 20% WTE- 7 hours per week
• Duration: 8 months (November 2026 - June 2027)
• Line manager: Project lead
• Direct reports: None
• 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.
• Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/ijc
• For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Jayne Finlay, Lecturer in Librarianship on [e-mail]

Next steps in the recruitment process

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

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 :21/10/2026

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.