Research Fellow in Qualitative Methods / Early Childhood

Sheffield Hallam University; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job description

Research Fellow in Qualitative Methods / Early Childhood

Sheffield Hallam University, College of Health Wellbeing & Life Science

Academic Grade 7 - £39,355 to £44,128 per annum (pro rata, depending on experience)

Fixed Term - 18 months

29.6 hours per week (0.8 FTE)

Closing date: 05/05/2025 at 23:30.

The role

An exciting opportunity to join a research team working on an NIHR-funded project entitled: ‘The impact of interactive electronic devices: understanding the mechanisms of benefits and harms on young children’s development, behaviour and health outcomes using a multimethod approach’ (NIHR 159040). You can read more about the study on the funder’s webpage, the iKids study website (www.ikidstudy.com).

You will be an ambitious postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in both qualitative and quantitative research, and ideally experience working with children. In this role, you will primarily focus on Work Package 3 (WP 3), an ethnographic study.

This study will use videography to document young children's interactions with electronic devices, such as tablets and smartphones, as well as their interactions with family members. You will also conduct interviews with parents and caregivers and assist in data analysis using inductive thematic analysis. Additionally, you will support other researchers in the implementation of Work Package 2 (WP 2), a quantitative longitudinal study aimed at understanding the impact of interactive electronic devices on young children’s development and health.

Throughout the project, you will be given opportunities for external training, in addition to publishing in leading refereed journals, creating policy briefs, and presenting the research findings at national and international conferences. Some travel will be required for data collection.

The department

You will be based at Sheffield Hallam University - Collegiate Campus and will be supervised by Prof. Liane Azevedo. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of academics from public health, epidemiology, and social science backgrounds.

You will also collaborate with community and government stakeholders and other Research Fellows employed in due course. The project is based at the Physical Activity, Wellness and Public Health Research Group, which is one of the Research Groups from the Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre, part of the Sheffield Hallam University Health Research Institute.

The School of Sport and Physical Activity has a long and rich tradition of delivering innovative programmes and research in sport and physical activity for over 40 years. Ranked 4th in the UK for the last Research Excellence Framework (REF) (2021) and with thousands of alumni working across the globe, the School is considered one of the leading HE providers within sport and physical activity. Courses are taught by leading experts who deliver cutting edge, research-informed teaching, with staff holding prominent positions within the sport industry.

We offer a diverse range of benefits and opportunities to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in a supportive environment.

You will be contractually enrolled into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) – one of the largest and most generous defined benefit pension schemes in the country.

If you’re a member of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) directly before joining us, you can choose to remain in USS instead. Please contact the Pensions team to discuss options available.

If you are offered this post you will be subject to an enhanced with barred lists check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from working at Sheffield Hallam University but its relevance to the duties of the post will need to be assessed before the appointment is confirmed.

Sheffield Hallam welcomes applications from all candidates irrespective of age, pregnancy and maternity, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.

For this job we particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic applicants who are underrepresented in this area Sheffield Hallam.

The role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route so if you are an international applicant, you will need to ensure you have an appropriate visa to evidence the necessary right to work in the UK.