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 seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to join a pioneering project addressing inequities and adoption disparities in neurotechnology among marginalized groups. This project, funded by a leading research initiative, focuses on identifying design biases in neurotechnologies, understanding barriers to participation in neurotechnology research, and investigating disparities in utilization. The ultimate goal is to create practical solutions for equitable, inclusive neurotechnology.
This role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful research in collaboration with diverse communities, researchers, clinicians, and policy experts. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team and use both qualitative, quantitative and computational modeling methods to produce actionable recommendations.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth literature reviews and data analyses to identify biases in neurotechnology designs.
- Lead qualitative interviews and focus groups with community members from diverse backgrounds.
- Apply computational modeling techniques to quantify performance variations in neurotechnology devices across different genders, ethnicities, and anatomical variations.
- Analyze health record data to investigate racial and gender disparities in neurotechnology usage.
- Co-develop practical recommendations for inclusive neurotechnology designs.
- Collaborate with community groups, clinicians, and stakeholders to refine solutions.
- Disseminate findings through academic publications, reports, and accessible educational materials.
- Present research outcomes at conferences and stakeholder meetings.
- Maintain high standards of ethics and data security in all project activities.
- 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.
Essential criteria
- Hold or be close to completing a PhD (or have equivalent experience) in neural engineering, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computational modeling or a related field (assessed at application).
- Strong background in neurotechnology design or human-centered design methodologies (assessed at application and interview).
- Expertise in statistical analysis, including handling complex datasets (assessed at application and interview).
- Proficiency in computational modeling software and tools being used for simulation of non-invasive brain stimulations (assessed at application).
- Proven track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals (assessed at application).
- Excellent communication skills, including writing and presenting to diverse audiences (assessed at application, interview, and presentation).
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams (assessed at application and interview).
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage competing deadlines (assessed at application and interview).
- Creative problem-solving skills with the ability to make independent decisions (assessed at application, interview, and presentation).
- Experience organizing and facilitating meaningful PPIE sessions, including preparing accessible, comprehensible public-facing communications (assessed at application and interview).
- Demonstrable understanding of inclusivity and EDI principles in research and their practical application (assessed at application and interview).
Desirable criteria
- Experience working with marginalized communities and patients with neurological disabilities (assessed at application and interview).
- Experience with computational modeling to quantify performance variations in technologies across diverse populations (assessed at application and interview).
Further Information Grade 7: £37,999-£40,247
Duration: For 2 years from 1 April 2025
Line manager: Dr Mahnaz Arvaneh
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Dr Mahnaz Arvaneh, project lead on m.arvaneh@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on week commencing 3 February 2025. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 23 January 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-postaward@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.
By applying to this position, you give permission for us to share your application data with collaborators in Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
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.