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Job Title: Research Associate in Social Science & Oral Health
Posting Start Date: 26/06/2026
Job Id: 2699
School/Department: School of Clinical Dentistry
Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £38,784 - £44,746
Closing Date: 10/07/2026
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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 talented and motivated Research Associate to join the Transforming Oral Health (ToH) group within the School of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of social science, quantitative methodology, clinical dentistry, and dental public health contributing to cutting edge research in the clinical, social and psychological aspects of tooth loss and rehabilitation.
Led by Professor Barry Gibson, this multidisciplinary project focuses on the social and psychological processes associated with tooth loss, inequalities and oral rehabilitation. Specifically, the research focuses on developing person centred indicators to measure change in the social and psychological aspects of adapting to a new denture. This involves developing new person-centred indicators to measure change, for example oral health related quality-of-life (OHRQoL), as well as groundbreaking new approaches to understanding the social and psychological dynamics of tooth loss and oral rehabilitation.
You will work with our academic partners at the University of Sheffield, Lincoln and the Queen’s University of Belfast and our industry partners Haleon to develop innovative new approaches to the measurement of patient experience in relation to tooth loss and oral rehabilitation. This role requires expertise and an advanced understanding of mixed methods research including, but not limited to, the quantitative measurement of change and understanding patient experience. You will be involved in developing PPI work, working across clinical settings in the north of England and Northern Ireland. This post offers someone the unique opportunity to further develop their skills to become part of the next generation of social and behavioural scientists in dentistry.
You’ll be part of a dynamic, supportive, and forward-thinking research environment committed to making real clinical impact in person-centred dentistry. You will also be at the forefront of new directions for social and behavioural sciences in dentistry.
Main duties and responsibilities
Conduct research aligned with the project’s objectives, contributing to quantitative data collection and analysis involving advanced statistics and psychometrics.
Conduct public and patient involvement work in line with patient-centred measurement, with patient groups and dental healthcare professionals.
Use advanced statistical methods to establish the validity, reliability and longitudinal responsiveness to change in OHRQoL.
Conduct nested qualitative research that delivers meaningful change.
Manage and maintain datasets that contain personal data, research agreements for the transfer of data across institutes, whilst ensuring that data processing including anonymisation follow the highest standards.
Work both independently and collaboratively as part of the Transforming Oral Health research group, engaging with co-investigators and industry partners to meet project milestones and contribute to overall planning and delivery.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of all research activity, including NHS ethics and governance protocols.
Adhere to Health & Safety policies, including University travel regulations.
Support the principal investigator in the strategic and day-to-day management of the project.
Liaise regularly with the principal investigator, project supervisors, and industry partners contributing to and wherever possible leading team meetings and strategic discussions.
Prepare and deliver presentations for internal meetings, collaborators, and external audiences such as conferences.
Undertake literature reviews to ensure the project is informed by the latest developments.
Contribute to manuscript preparation, technical reports, and funding applications.
Support responsible research conduct and sustainability practices.
Carry out other duties as required, commensurate with the scope and grade 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 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
PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area such as sociology, psychology or dental public health.
Essential
Application
Undergraduate degree in a relevant social, or psychological discipline.
Essential
Application
Proven ability to conduct independent research and evidence of outputs (e.g., publications, presentations).
Essential
Application
Experience in quantitative methods, specifically reliability, validity, effect sizes and standardised response mean.
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience with social and psychological theories and their role in data collection and analysis (e.g. models of disability, status passage, the Common-Sense Model (CSM) of illness self-regulation).
Essential
Application/Interview
Ability to conduct qualitative research including data analysis (e.g. Framework Analysis).
Essential
Application/Interview
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Essential
Application
Proven ability to write and present scientific data to diverse audiences and through different dissemination routes, independently and to a high standard.
Essential
Strong teamworking and time-management skills.
Essential
Application/Interview
Experience with advanced statistical methods (e.g., Factorial surveys, Structural Equation Modelling).
Desirable
Application/Interview
Familiarity AI-based analysis platforms (e.g. Google LM, Gemini).
Desirable
Application/Interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784 - £44,746
Work arrangement
Full-time
Duration
1 July 2026 – 30 June 2028
Line manager
Principal Investigator
Our website
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Barry Gibson, Principal Investigator: on
[email protected]
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 4 weeks of the application submission date. This will consist of an interview and presentation, the title of which will be provided to all shortlisted candidates. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the close of the application process. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Jennie Young on
[email protected] who will be able to assist..
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.
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.
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