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Overview
We are seeking to appoint a Community Researcher who identifies as Gypsy, Roma or Traveller to support and undertake a Research Project on the sugar industries and health. The project is led by Dr Rizwana Lana , and will be based in the School of Medicine and Population Health.
Community research is research undertaken by people with lived experience of the topic and /or communities being explored. By working with community researchers, the project aims to have a better understanding of Gypsy, Roma or Traveller communities' experiences with sugar consumption and explore how public health approaches can better serve their health needs.
Working closely with the team, you will be digging deep into people's stories of sugar consumption. We will use a range of exciting creative techniques to collect stories, such as conducting go along' interviews, apply film and photography, facilitate workshops, and encouraging participation through art and writing. The project will then share these stories with different organisations such as local councils and health care providers in order to develop resources and services which better reflect the needs of ethnic minority communities.
Main duties and responsibilities
Help identify people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities who may be interested in participating in the research
Undertake interviews (face to face, online, go-along'). Note: Some travel will be required in the Yorkshire and Lancashire areas.
Work with other researchers on the project to gather evidence and analyse the research data.
Work with the research team and wider partners to organise and deliver workshops.
Work with the research team and wider partners to deliver and disseminate the research findings from the project.
Attend team, research group and other Section or School meetings as required.
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
- Identify as Gypsy, Roma or Traveller ethnicity or be part of the Gypsy, Roma or Traveller community (assessed at: application/interview)
- Good written and verbal communication skills (assessed at: application/interview)
- Willing to talk about sensitive health topics with a diverse range of people (assessed at: application/interview)
- Good listening skills and interest in other people's stories (assessed at: application/interview)
- Be IT literate, including competence in using MS packages and Google Apps (assessed at: application/interview)
- Be able to handle any information produced through research confidentially (assessed at: application/interview)
- Collegiate attitude and ability to work well within a team (assessed at: application/interview)
- Ability to travel in Yorkshire and Lancashire areas (assessed at: application/interview)
Desirable criteria
- Additional language communication skills, e.g., Romani dialect, Scottish Cant dialect, Irish Cant/De GA (assessed at: application/interview)
Further Information
Grade: 7 - £37,999 - £41,421 per annum pro rota
Hours: This post is part time working 14 hours per week
Duration:proposed start date of 1st March 2025 and an end date of 31st August 2028
Line manager: Senior Research Fellow in Public Health
Direct reports: n/a
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Dr Rizwana Lala, Wellcome Trust Research Fellow on rizwana.lala@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on Monday 10th February 2025. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 27th 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 Karen Johnson at karen.johnson@sheffield.ac.uk
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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.
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- 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.
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- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
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- 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.
Criminal record
An enhanced/enhanced with barred lists 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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