Overview
This post is for a Research Associate who will be based in the School of Education to take a key role in supporting the delivery on a body of scholarship in relation to issues of equality, inclusion and diversity with a particular focus on disability. The Research Associate will work closely with Professor Rebecca Lawthom, the Head of the School of Education, on an identified body of writing and scholarship that will be delivered over a two-year period. Collaborating with Professor Lawthom, you will identify and work on a number of theoretical and analytical outputs focused around (though not exclusively) on number of areas of research interest:
- The ways in which research, theory and scholarship are transformed by an engagement with critical disability studies.
- The positive presence of disability to enable more inclusive research and university environments.
- The ways in which we can reimagine representations of disability in society and culture.
- An exploration of equality, diversity and inclusion generated through a focus on anti-ableist and anti-disablist practice.
The postholder’s responsibilities primarily relate to:
- literature review and scoping;
- identification of key journals to write and submit articles to;
- development of analytical approaches and methods that respond to rapidly emerging secondary data (primarily qualitative);
- participating in a collaborative research environment which will give opportunities for joint writing and collaboration with live research projects.
- writing a number of journal articles - in collaboration with Professor Lawthom and others that boast originality, significance and rigour.
- Submission of drafts of journal articles and responding to referees comments
Alongside these responsibilities the postholder will be given protected time to explore opportunities for their own career and research development in line with the Concordat on Researcher Development: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/research-services/researcher-development/our-commitment/concordat.
This may take the form of other scholarship and research funding opportunities.
We welcome applications from researchers of higher education, inclusive education, critical disability studies, community psychology, literacy and education, medical humanities, medical sociology, medical anthropology, critical race and postcolonial studies. We welcome applicants from the social sciences and arts and humanities.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Develop a number of identified literature reviews and academic papers - in collaboration with Professor Lawthom and others - that boast originality, significance and rigour.
- Implement analytical approaches and methods that respond to rapidly emerging secondary data (primarily qualitative).
- Participate in a collaborative research environment such as joint writing and research projects.
- Submit a number of journal articles and respond to referees comments.
- Write research outputs, which might additionally include book chapters, policy briefs and reports.
- Lead and contribute to the preparation of presentations at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
- Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
- Keep in regular contact with the line manager, including regular team meetings in person and via online communications.
- Coordinate and liaise with other members of the project team (when necessary).
- Plan own research schedule and workload within the wider project framework identifying milestones and objectives.
- Undertake mandatory online training required for members of The School of Education.
- Uphold the highest standards of ethics and research integrity.
- Organise and support the delivery of an agreed dissemination strategy.
- As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
- 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.
Have a good honours degree in the social sciences, arts or humanities.
Have a PhD OR equivalent experience of independent research/scholarship/writing in the area of disability
Experience with secondary data analysis (especially qualitative data analysis)
Knowledge of the academic literature on anti-ableist and antidisablist practice.
Previous experiences of and commitments to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the university sector
A track record of writing for publication
Experience of working well as part of a team and taking responsibility for delivering a specific role.
Excellent organisational skills; such as time management, decision making, planning, prioritising, attention to detail etc.
Evidence of planning one’s own future research and scholarship activities.
Evidence of writing in different formats (e.g. reports, journal articles, audio, film) to meet the needs of different audiences (e.g. academics, policymakers, practitioners and wider public)
Further Information
1/8/2026 - 29/7/2028 (24 months from start date)
Professor Rebecca Lawthom
https://sheffield.ac.uk/education
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in August-September. This will consist of an interview and presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in early September. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
[email protected].
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
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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.
