Research Associate in Prison and Public Library Services

• Working at Sheffield

Work Arrangement:
Part Time (Hybrid)

Contract Type:
Fixed-term

School/Department:
Information, Journalism & Communication

Salary per annum (£): £38,784.00 - £43,482.00

Closing Date: 21/10/2026

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. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

We are appointing a Research Associate to assist with a Knowledge Exchange project led by the University of Sheffield. This project explores the support provided by prison and public library services at various points along the criminal justice journey.

The Research Associate will contribute to an evidence-mapping and prioritisation activity of current good practice. They will assist in developing and leading practitioner workshops and participate in drafting outputs for practitioner and policy audiences.

This role offers a chance to engage in policy-focused, applied research combining library and information science, education, and criminal justice. It is ideal for someone aiming to gain experience in research and stakeholder engagement within a practical policy environment while managing other study or work responsibilities.

We are seeking a candidate who has, or is currently working towards, a PhD in librarianship, education, criminology or a related area. You will have a strong interest in library services and/or criminal justice contexts, excellent written communication skills, and the ability to engage thoughtfully and sensitively with a diverse range of collaborators, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.

• Contribute to an evidence-mapping exercise examining how prison and public libraries, working independently and collaboratively, support people and families affected by the criminal justice system.
• Help plan and deliver workshops for criminal justice practitioners and prison and public library staff.
• Develop and coordinate simple evaluation tools, such as pre-and post-workshop questions.
• Contribute to drafting accessible, audience-specific resources for practitioners and library users.
• Contribute to dissemination activities, including planning and delivery of a project dissemination event.
• Liaise with a range of project stakeholders and partners, supporting effective communication, engagement and coordination throughout the project.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

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.

A PhD, or currently working towards a PhD, in library and information studies, education, criminology or a related discipline.

Application

A first degree in a relevant subject area (or have equivalent experience)

Application

Understanding of, or demonstrable interest in, library and information services and/or criminal justice contexts.

Application / interview

Experie…