Research Associate in Prison and Public Library Services

Job description:

Are you a researcher with an interest in library and/or education provision across the criminal justice system? We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to support a Knowledge Exchange project led by the University of Sheffield.

The project explores how prison and public libraries support people at different points along the criminal justice journey. Working with practitioners and policymakers, you will undertake an evidence-mapping and prioritisation exercise, helping to identify and synthesise evidence of good practice. You will also help plan and deliver practitioner workshops involving probation staff, public library staff and people with lived experience of incarceration. Your work will contribute directly to the development of accessible guides, a practical toolkit and policy-focused outputs for a range of audiences.

This is a varied role offering you the opportunity to develop your research, knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement skills in a practical policy environment. The role would suit someone looking to build research and knowledge exchange experience alongside other study or work commitments.

A PhD or equivalent experience, or progress toward a PhD or equivalent experience, in librarianship, education, criminology, or a related area is required. You will have an understanding of, or demonstrable interest in, library and information services and/or criminal justice contexts, alongside strong written communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly with different audiences.

You will have the ability to work independently, manage your own workload and meet deadlines, while also working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage professionally and sensitively with people with lived experience of the criminal justice system are important. Experience of workshop delivery or stakeholder engagement would be an advantage.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to applied research with clear potential to influence professional practice and policy.

Enquiries about the position should be directed to Dr Jayne Finlay: jayne.finlay@sheffield.ac.uk.

You will join the School of Information, Journalism and Communication at the University of Sheffield, which is number one in the world for Library and Information Management by QS Rankings.

We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

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 build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities that benefit the individual and University.

Find out more at sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.