Overview
The Division of Population Health is looking to appoint a full-time Research Assistant for the Wellcome-funded project “A novel interdisciplinary approach to understanding how contextual factors influence alcohol consumption”. This project aims to develop a cutting-edge computer model that links moment-to-moment, context-sensitive, alcohol-related decisions to population-level consumption patterns, and to use this model to evaluate the impact of novel alcohol policies.
You will support the work of the project and play a central role in a longitudinal study collecting real-time behavioural data on participant’s alcohol-related decisions via smartphones. Duties include managing participant recruitment through Prolific, overseeing day-to-day study operations, monitoring adherence and retention, and preparing large and complex datasets through cleaning, harmonising and merging multiple sources. The role also includes supporting research governance, statistical analysis, dissemination of findings, and organising a stakeholder workshop bringing together public health policy stakeholders, practitioners, researchers, and people with lived experience of alcohol harm.
You will join the Sheffield Addictions Research Group (SARG), an interdisciplinary team whose work informs policy and practice, with access to training and development opportunities.
Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as psychology, behavioural science, public health, health economics, or another quantitative field such as data science. Experience or training in behavioural research is essential, including online participant recruitment, managing longitudinal studies, and analysing data using R or Python. Strong communication, organisation, and collaborative working skills are required. Experience with large secondary datasets, smartphone-based tasks, behaviour change apps, or open research practices would be advantageous.
Main duties and responsibilities
Design surveys in Qualtrics and integrate these with smartphone-based cognitive tasks in the Drink Less app to enable real-time self-report and behavioural data collection.
Contribute to the design of a longitudinal study using repeated-measurement approaches (e.g., ecological momentary assessment), and lead participant recruitment via Prolific. Manage day-to-day study activities over a 12-month period, including monitoring participant adherence and retention.
Assist with the preparation of secondary data for analysis (e.g., Health Survey for England, Understanding Society, and market research data) including cleaning large and complex datasets, selecting variables, and merging multiple data sources.
Analyse data using advanced statistical techniques and reproducible workflows in open-source programming languages (e.g., R, Python).
Assist with the organisation and delivery of a research workshop with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and people with lived experience of alcohol harm.
Disseminate research findings through contributions to peer-reviewed journal publications (aligned with open research practices such as preregistration, preprints, and data sharing) and presentations at national addiction conferences.
Contribute to research governance and compliance with ethical approval processes and GDPR and data protection requirements, under the supervision of the line manager.
Attend weekly catch-up meetings with the line manager.
Participate in the Sheffield Addictions Research Group’s (SARG) team meetings, training seminars, and journal clubs.
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.
Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., psychology, behavioural or data science, public health, or health economics), with evidence of an excellent academic track record.
Experience recruiting participants using online research platforms (e.g., Prolific) and designing and administering surveys using Qualtrics.
Experience designing and running studies using intensive or repeated-measurement methods (e.g., ecological momentary assessment).
Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats and to diverse audiences.
Ability to work independently and part of a team, manage deadlines, and maintain excellent organisational standards.
Proficiency in open-source programming languages, such as R or Python, for data preparation and analysis.
Experience working with large secondary datasets (e.g., data cleaning and merging).
Knowledge of open research practices and willingness to engage with them (e.g. preregistration, preprints, data sharing).
Experience with computer or smartphone-based cognitive tasks administered online (e.g. PsychoPy tasks hosted on Pavlovia).
An interest in alcohol research and familiarity with smartphone applications designed to support behaviours change (e.g. Drink Less).
Knowledge of and experience with research governance, ethical approval processes, and data protection regulations (including GDPR) in alcohol research.
Experience in engaging with alcohol or public health stakeholders, including policymakers, practitioners, or people with lived experience.
Further Information
1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028
Dr Amber Copeland, Wellcome Research Fellow
https://sheffield.ac.uk/smph
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 23rd July 2026. This will consist of an interview and a brief presentation (further details to be provided if selected for interview). We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 13th July 2026. 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 38 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.
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).
