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Overview
Applications are invited for a Research Associate to work with Dr Eleanor Wilkinson on a CHANSE/NORFACE funded project LGBTI+ youth wellbeing across Europe: Imagined futures in turbulent times'. This is an international and interdisciplinary qualitative project, led by the University of Sheffield in partnership with academics from Tallinn University, Jagiellonian University, Stockholm University and HES-SO Valais/ Wallis.
The project examines LGBTQI+ wellbeing across five national contexts: Estonia, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. The focus is on LGBTQI+ youth on the cusp of adulthood (aged 18-24), exploring how diverse groups of queer youth develop their identities and plan for their futures in the face of political, environmental and economic uncertainty. This post will involve leading the UK fieldwork, primarily using creative and participatory methods.
This is an excellent opportunity to work as part of a vibrant and supportive international team of feminist and queer researchers. The project leaders are committed to supporting early career/ fixed-term staff, with mentorship and collaboration opportunities, international team workshops, work in progress sessions, and a training budget and time allocated for your own professional development.
Main duties and responsibilities
Work collaboratively to conduct a scoping review of LGBTQI+ youth wellbeing policies.
Take the lead on participant recruitment of LGBTQI+ young adults from across the UK (ensuring the research includes the voices of those who experience multiple forms of marginalization: e.g. because of class / race / disability).
Travel to various sites in the UK to facilitate creative participatory workshops with groups of these young adults.
Facilitate national stakeholder focus groups with LGBTQI+ youth representatives, youth workers, LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations and policy-makers.
Securely handle and store the sensitive qualitative data derived from these workshops in line with ethical commitments, GDPR and FAIR principles.
Work on the qualitative analysis of this data using appropriate software, contributing to cross-national thematic analysis.
Assist the project team with public engagement events both nationally and internationally, helping organise knowledge-exchange workshops, conferences, and other activities.
Take the lead on at least one academic publication emerging from the project.
Share research findings at key academic conferences and events.
Assist with public engagement activities via the project website (e.g. podcasts, blog posts, digital storytelling).
Work closely with the other research associates based in Estonia, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as the academic leads, to develop a complementary and collaborative research programme.
Work closely with our associate partners (LGBTQI+ charities and advocacy organisations) in the recruitment of participants.
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
A doctoral level qualification (PhD) in a relevant disciplinary field (e.g. Human Geography, Gender Studies, Sociology) (assessed at: application).
Experience of conducting qualitative research, including the use of participatory and / or creative methods (assessed at: application/interview).
An understanding of the ethical issues involved in conducting sensitive research with marginalised groups (assessed at: application/interview).
Excellent organizational skills; such as time management, decision making, planning, prioritising, working to set milestones (assessed at: application/interview).
Knowledge of relevant academic literature around LGBTQI+ lives (e.g. LGBTQI+ youth and life-course transitions, intersectionality, queer futures) (assessed at: application/interview).
Proficiency in the use of qualitative data analysis software, such as NVivo, and an understanding of reflexive thematic analysis (assessed at: application/interview).
Experience of working well as a team, and a commitment to helping foster inclusive, collaborative, and caring research cultures (assessed at: application/test).
Desirable criteria
Experience of communicating research findings to non-academic audiences (e.g. via reports, policy briefings, blogs, films, audio) (assessed at: application).
A track record of publications in refereed journals and/or presentations at conferences relevant to the project (assessed at: application).
Further Information
Grade: 7
Duration: 34 months
Line manager: Project Lead
Direct reports: N/A
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Eleanor Wilkinson, Project Lead on eleanor.wilkinson@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place at the end of January / early February. This recruitment process will begin with a short activity where you will be provided with a couple of brief hypothetical scenarios of potential issues you may face while working as a Research Associate on the project, after time thinking through these, you will then be asked to discuss how you would respond to each scenario. This will be followed by an interview (all candidates will receive the interview questions a week in advance). We plan to let candidates know if they have been successful within a week. Please contact eleanor.wilkinson@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments or have any questions about the recruitment process.
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.
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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 recognizes and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.