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Postdoctoral Research Associate: MORPHSS
Overview
We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate to contribute to the MORPHSS project: Materialising Open Research Practices in the Humanities and Social Sciences. MORPHSS aims to investigate and promote open research practices in the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The project is designed to create frameworks and guidelines to encourage adoption of open practices in HSS as well contribute to our knowledge of such practices. The project is a collaboration between the Universities of Cambridge, Coventry, Southampton and Sheffield. The post holder will work closely with other members of the project in all sites, including with a Postdoctoral Research Associate based in Cambridge. The post holder will contribute to the project as a whole but will focus for a significant proportion of their time investigating open practices in the Social Sciences, particularly data sharing, focusing on data generated in qualitative and mixed-methods research. We are particularly interested in hearing from researchers with an interest in research on research, cross-disciplinary working, critical/experimental methodologies, and open research cultures. |
KEY INFORMATION | Description |
Faculty/ Department | Social Sciences, Information School |
Website | https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/is |
Salary Information | £37,999 - £40,247 |
Grade | 7 |
Contract Type | Full-time - 24 months fixed-term - Flexible options considered |
The project will: catalogue, pilot and showcase experimental open research practices in the HSS; explore how to support these practices for the development of a nuanced conception of openness that is appropriate for HSS disciplines and distinct from more traditional understandings of open science'; and devise and implement strategies for materialising and sustaining these HSS-appropriate open practices more widely.
Main duties and responsibilities Conduct desk research into open research practices across humanities and social science disciplines.
Assist investigators with case studies relating to open data sharing in the Social Sciences, focusing on data generated in qualitative and mixed-methods research.
Develop and conduct research approaches needed for case studies, using qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus groups, and undertake other data collection and analysis as required by the research.
Attend, support, and contribute to project meetings and contribute to organisation of project governance meetings.
Engage in work to prepare data and materials relating to the research project as part of our commitment to open data.
Lead on producing high-quality reports, journal articles and other outputs, and deliver presentations and oral reports.
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the relevant literature and current practice in openness in HSS.
Organise and participate in research events, such as workshops, seminars, and conferences.
Contribute to maintaining the project website and social media presence.
Undertake relevant methodological training and development opportunities.
Plan your own research activities in discussion with your line manager.
Contribute to development of onward research plans and proposals.
Contribute to University life, including the free exchange of ideas and a commitment to high-quality research and scholarship and so advance the discipline and wider society.
As a member of staff, you should strive to uphold the highest principles of academic life and research, including commitments to freedom of speech, sustainability, and research integrity and rigour.
Any other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Further information Line Manager | Project Co-Lead |
Direct Reports | None |
For informal enquiries about this job contact
Professor Stephen Pinfield, Professor of Information Services Management: s.pinfield@sheffield.ac.uk
Person specification You should provide evidence in your application that you meet the following criteria. 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 does not match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution may be valuable, and we encourage you to apply.
Criteria | Essential/ Desirable | Assessment Stage |
A PhD (or equivalent) or close to completing a PhD in a relevant subject.
| E | Application |
Experience of and skills in carrying out and reporting a literature review, including peer-reviewed, grey and other publications
| E | Application / Interview |
Experience of and skills in qualitative data collection and analysis e.g. interviews and case studies.
| E | Application / Interview |
Demonstrable understanding of open research cultures, including open access publishing and open research data.
| E | Application / Interview |
Evidence of training in appropriate research methods, including qualitative approaches.
| E | Application / Interview |
Experience of designing and managing research, including developing research objectives, and identifying appropriate methods for achieving them.
| E | Application / Interview |
Demonstrable willingness to positively shape cultures of humanities and social science research.
| E | Application / Interview |
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, academic writing skills and experience of delivering presentations.
| E | Application / Interview |
Experience of working both collaboratively and independently with a high degree of personal effectiveness.
| E | Application / Interview |
Ability to work flexibly and accurately to tight deadlines, and good organisational skills.
| E | Application |
Ability to contribute to the planning and organisation of research and project events, e.g. workshops, seminars, non-academic engagement activities.
| E | Application / Interview |
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place as soon as possible after the closing date. The selection stage will comprise a qualitative data analysis exercise and a formal interview for which some of the questions will be released in advance and which will include discussion of the qualitative data analysis exercise. We anticipate that the selection process will take place on Friday 28th March 2025. Contact inf-operations-team@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
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 and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
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 .
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria you will be invited to interview
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.