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Overview
The Division of Population Health in the School of Medicine and Population Health is looking to appoint a part-time post-doctoral researcher to undertake public health research in a project investigating how and why adolescents and young people use no/low drinks, with an innovative focus on family settings in Great Britain.
The project will use a mixed methods approach involving quantitative analysis of data from a nationally representative survey and qualitative interviews in family homes. The project consists of an independent quantitative (WP1) and qualitative (WP2) work packages, which iteratively inform each other, to provide both higher-level and richer insights. You will work on work package 2 with responsibility for all set-up tasks including PPI liaison, topic guide design, data management and obtaining timely ethics approvals. You will also undertake analysis using NVivo and contribute to the final report to the funder and writing of publications for peer-reviewed scientific journals. You should have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject and experience of carrying out qualitative research relevant to public health.
Main duties and responsibilities
In conjunction with the PPI group, write the topic guide, data management plan, participant information sheets and consent forms.
Write and submit the ethics application and associated documents for approval.
Work with the selected market research company to plan and organise the ethnographic home visits.
Conduct the home visits using five methods of data collection; An intergenerational interview with at least one parent and one child; A separate one-to-one interview with one or two parent(s)/main carer(s); A separate one-to-one interview with children; Informal conversations before, in between and after interviews on the topics of alcohol and no and low alcohol products; Ethnographic observations concerning the interviews, informal conversations, and related points (e.g. non-verbal communication) written up in fieldnotes
Analyse the collected data in NVivo
Document your research including analyses, findings and interpretations of all data, maintaining records and databases as appropriate.
Attend project meetings and work collaboratively with members of the project team at other institutions.
Disseminate research findings through a final report to the funder, publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and giving presentations to stakeholders and conferences.
Develop and maintain collaborations with colleagues in SARG and the wider academic and policy community, as well as patient and public involvement representatives.
Engage in professional activities such as peer reviewing, supporting the development of colleagues and organising local research events.
Engage in the supervision of PhD students and students on Masters level courses
You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the Sheffield Academic'. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University's achievements as a whole.
As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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.
Essential criteria
A PhD in a relevant discipline. Candidates nearing the completion of their PhD or with equivalent experience are welcome to apply. (Application)
A good understanding of public health or policy research on alcohol dependence and/or alcohol policy. (Application / Interview)
Experience of conducting home visits for the purpose of qualitative data collection interviews. (Application / Interview)
Working knowledge of NVivo or similar qualitative data analysis software
Experience of preparing ethics applications. (Application / Interview)
Proven ability to develop and deliver high quality research in a timely and efficient manner. (Application / Interview)
A good track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to your career stage. (Application / Interview)
Ability to communicate effectively in oral, written and presentation modes to a wide range of audiences, including policymakers and practitioners. (Application / Interview)
Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams and collaborating with researchers at other institutions. (Application / Interview)
Ability and willingness to conduct home visits for the purpose of data collection on evenings / weekends (at least 4-5 across Spring and Summer 2025). (Application / Interview)
Desirable criteria (max 2)
Further Information
Grade: 7
Duration: Fixed term until 31 December 2025
Hours: 10.5 hours per week
Line manager: Sheffield Addictions Research Group Director
Direct reports: None
For informal enquiries about this job and the recruiting department, contact: Professor John Holmes at john.holmes@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 6384.
For administration queries and details on the application process, contact the lead recruiter: at anne.greaves@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Monday 27th January. This will consist of an interview, presentation and activity. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 20th January. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact anne.greaves@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
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: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
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.
A standard DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).
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