Research Associate in Social Science & Oral Health

Research Associate in Social Science & Oral Health

School of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Health, University of Sheffield

Posting

Start Date:

26/06/2026 | Closing Date: 10/07/2026

We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to join the Transforming Oral Health (ToH) group within the School of Clinical Dentistry. This opportunity places you 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. The research aims to develop person‑centred indicators to measure change in the social and psychological aspects of adapting to a new denture, including oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) and new approaches to understanding the dynamics of tooth loss and oral rehabilitation.

• Conduct research aligned with the project’s objectives, including quantitative data collection and analysis using advanced statistics and psychometrics.
• Implement public and patient involvement work in line with patient‑centred measurement, working with patient groups and dental healthcare professionals.
• Use advanced statistical methods to establish the validity, reliability and longitudinal responsiveness of OHRQoL.
• Carry out nested qualitative research that delivers meaningful insight.
• Manage and maintain datasets with personal data, ensuring data agreements and anonymisation comply with highest standards.
• Collaborate with the Transforming Oral Health research group, engaging co‑investigators and industry partners to meet milestones and contribute to overall planning and delivery.
• Maintain accurate records of all research activity, including NHS ethics and governance protocols.
• Adhere to Health & Safety policies and university travel regulations.
• Support the principal investigator in strategic and day‑to‑day management of the project.
• Liaise regularly with the principal investigator, project supervisors and industry partners, leading team meetings and strategic discussions where appropriate.
• 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.
• Promote responsible research conduct and sustainability practices.
• Carry out other duties as required, commensurate with the scope and grade of the post.

• Essential: PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant subject area such as sociology, psychology or dental public health.
• Essential: Undergraduate degree in a relevant social or psychological discipline.
• Essential: Proven ability to conduct independent research and evidence of outputs (publications, presentations).
• Essential: Experience in quantitative methods, specifically reliability, validity, effect sizes and standardised response mean.
• 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 of illness self‑regulation).
• Ability to conduct qualitative research including data analysis (e.g. Framework Analysis).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to write and present scientific data to diverse audiences through different dissemination routes, independently and to a high standard.
• Strong team working and time‑management skills.
• Experience with advanced statistical methods (e.g. Factorial surveys, Structural Equation Modelling).
• Desirable: Familiarity with AI‑based analysis platforms (e.g. Google LM, Gemini).

• Salary: £38,784 – £44,746 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full‑time (Hybrid)
• Contract type: Fixed‑term
• Duration: 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2028
• Line manager: Principal Investigator
• Posting
  
  Start Date:
  
  26/06/2026
• Closing Date: 10/07/2026

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.