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Overview
This position is for a four month fixed term contract as part of the final work for the Negotiating Childhoods Around the Pacific Rim: A Multi-Generational Analysis research project funded by the Te Aparangi Marsden Fund of New Zealand. This has been an international, multidisciplinary (Landscape, Planning and Geography) team working in the Pacific Rim countries of New Zealand, Samoa, Indonesia, Vietnam and China where in-country researchers worked with three generations of families to develop an understanding of changing childhoods and the influences on this across the generations. A series of qualitative and quantitative methods were used resulting in a significant data set which has informed a series of academic papers and reports. The team is now moving to the final output of the project which is a book entitled City Childhoods in Transition: Urbanization and Wellbeing in the Asia Pacific, to be published by Routledge.
Your role will involve working with Professor Helen Woolley here in the School of Architecture and Landscape at the University of Sheffield where you will be based, and also possibly with Professor Claire Freeman at Wellington University in New Zealand. You will undertake and support preparation work and the development of chapters for the book, with a main focus on chapters about China, which will involve some literature review, analysis and writing activities.
Main duties and responsibilities
Undertake literature reviews relevant to the project scope
Contribute to the development and writing of chapters
Explore the data set for appropriate analysis and quotations for book chapters
Produce graphics as may be required for the book chapters
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 are 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
APhD in a related field such as Children's Outdoor Environments, Landscape Architecture, Geography, Planning, Education, Sociology (or equivalent relevant experience) (assessed at: application/interview)
Experience of undertaking literature reviews
Have strong academic written communication skills (assessed at application/interview)
Have proven experience in analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative social research findings (assessed at application/interview)
Have proven expertise in graphic reproduction and application of relevant qualitative and quantitative methods (assessed by interview)
Ability to take responsibility for personal time management and work proactively and independently to agreed targets (assessed by interview)
Ability to work collaborative and flexibly (assessed by interview)
Desirable criteria
Have an understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to social research with a focus on children's outdoor environments (assessed at application/interview)
Have some understanding of culture affecting children in Asia Pacific Rim countries
Further Information
Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784
Work arrangement: Full-time, but part time of 0.6 and above would be considered from the same start date with latest end date of 28 August 2026.
Duration: Full time: March 2026 to 17 June 2026, or part time with latest completion date of 28 August 2026.
Line manager: Professor Helen Woolley
Direct reports: none
Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/architecture-landscape
For informal enquiries about this job contact; Helen Woolley, Professor of Landscape Architecture, Children's Environments and Society and Head of School of Architecture and Landscape on h.woolley@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 0608.
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place mid to late February 2026. This will consist of an interview for which you are asked to prepare a 10 minute presentation addressing the essential criteria listed above.
You will also be offered a tour of the School of Architecture and Landscape with a focus on the floor allocated to RAs and PhD candidates. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 16th February 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Gemma Fearnley-Cook on g.l.fearnley-cook@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 Pathway
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.
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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