Job Description

Job Title:

Research Assistant (Ethnographic Dementia Diagnosis Study)

Posting Start Date:

07/10/2025

Job Id:

1695

School/Department:

School of Medicine & Population Health

Work Arrangement:

Part Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

32.080- 36,636

Closing Date:

04/11/2025
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.

Overview

We are seeking a motivated and culturally sensitive Research Assistant to join an exciting BMA-funded project exploring barriers and facilitators to timely dementia diagnosis in South Asian and Black minority ethnic communities. This mixed-methods study combines a systematic literature review with in-depth ethnographic case studies to identify practical strategies for improving inclusivity in Memory Assessment Services.





You will work alongside Dr Hina Khan (Principal Investigator) and Dr Alys Griffiths (Supervisor), supporting all aspects of the research process from literature review to data collection and dissemination. The role offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced qualitative research skills, work with diverse communities, and contribute to impactful research on health inequalities.

Main duties and responsibilities

Conduct systematic literature searches and contribute to a meta-ethnographic review. Support recruitment of participants in collaboration with NHS Memory Services and community partners. Carry out non-participant observations, informal interviews, and focus groups. Maintain accurate field notes, transcriptions, and secure data management. Analyse qualitative data using NVivo and thematic analysis. Contribute to publications, community workshops, and dissemination activities. Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post




The role will be based at SITraN (University of Sheffield). Some travel is involved for data collection and is based at Sheffield NHS Trust sites, as well as occasional patient engagement and dissemination. Hybrid, part-time and flexible working is welcome and can be discussed at interview; however, it is expected that staff are regularly on site as required to support the project and the broader research community.

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.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD in a relevant health science such as psychology or medicine, and methodological discipline (applicants near completion of their PhD are welcome to apply) or equivalent experience




Essential




Application/interview




Ability to conduct and analyse qualitative interviews and observations with little/no supervision




Essential




Application/interview




Experience of conducting qualitative health-services research with people with a long-term health condition



Essential




Application/interview




Experience of delivering high quality research




Essential




Application/interview




Ability to work effectively within a team and independently




Essential




Application/interview




Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within the University and externally, with researchers, clinicians and members of the public involved in the studies




Essential




Application/interview




Display enthusiasm, motivation and a passion for the research proposal




Essential




Application/interview




Experience of systematic review and ethnography methodology




Desirable




Application/interview




Experience conducting research with people with a long-term neurological disease and/or their carers and/or cognitive disorders




Desirable




Application/interview




Experience conducting a range of qualitative methods, including interviews and observations




Desirable




Application/interview




Experience conducting PPIE and/or public engagement




Desirable




Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

6

Salary

32,080- 36,636

Work arrangement

Part-time 50% WTE

Duration

18 months

Line manager

Dr Alys Griffiths (Senior Research Fellow)

Direct reports

Dr Hina Khan (Consultant Neurologist & Senior Clinical Lecturer)

Our website

NA




For informal enquiries about this job contact Alys Griffiths on alys.griffths@sheffield.ac.uk



or on

0114 215 9113

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in late October. The selection process will consist of review of application forms and an interview. We will contact you by email to let you know whether or not you have been shortlisted to participate in the next stage of the selection process. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact clinmed-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk

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 41days 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





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.




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.