Senior Systematic Reviewer

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 looking for an experienced systematic reviewer to contribute to the activities of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) EnSygN
- Sheffield Evidence Synthesis Group.

The primary purpose of the role is to lead and contribute to high-quality research projects, specifically focusing on systematic reviews that inform national health policy. The successful applicant will design research proposals, generate research income, and disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Additionally, the role involves teaching, supervision, and administrative duties to support the department and the wider University.

• Lead the design and implementation of evidence syntheses, including the development of review protocols of international reputation.
• Independently determine research directions and develop specialist areas within national funding programmes
• Undertake methodological research in evidence synthesis to advance health and health services research.
• Leading small task‑finish working groups to deliver strategic priorities (e.g. automation, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement etc.)

• Supervise and assess evidence synthesis projects, assignments, and dissertations, providing planning and support to students.
• Teach key skills within the academic development group, particularly regarding the assessment and synthesis of quantitative and/or qualitative evidence.

• Carry out long-term planning over the course of the contract for project resource requirements, including datasets, software requirements and specialist academic input.
• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary project teams consisting of information specialists, reviewers, and external clinical experts.
• Advise on resource allocation within project budgets and take shared responsibility for monitoring and identifying opportunities for research funding.
• Manage daily reactive requests related to specialist staff support while meeting strict deadlines for national policy‑making research.
• 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. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Stage(s) assessed at

PhD in a relevant subject, or equivalent experience.

Essential Application

Experience in leading substantial, high-profile research projects for national government agencies where outputs directly influence national health policy

Essential Interview

Experience in line‑managing staff and acting as a mentor to less experienced researchers to support their methodological development.

Essential Interview

Engagement in professional activities with international recognition, such as editorial work for journals or peer‑reviewing for government funding agencies.

Essential Interview

Experience of undertaking systematic reviews, evidence synthesis and leading substantive literature review projects and to work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams.

Essential Interview

The ability to manage relationships at a national level and network effectively to obtain expert advice and opinions

Essential…