Research Associate in Prison and Public Library Services
Added 30 Sept · still live
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
£38,784 – £43,482 / year
Salary
As advertised by the employer
£40,400
Going rate
Offer is 1.0× the going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2115 (85% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £40,400, and The University of Sheffield is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
We pick the code from the advert's text, so it is our best guess, not the employer's. Each code it could be has its own likelihood:
- Likely 2115 (Social and humanities scientists) · 85% match
- Possible 2162 (Other researchers, unspecified discipline) · 11% match
Ask The University of Sheffield what the duties are.
Your salary route
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2115 Social and humanities scientists Most likely code | £33,400 Clears | £33,400 Clears | £37,500 Clears | £40,400 Clears |
2162 Other researchers, unspecified discipline Also possible | £33,400 Clears | £34,900 Clears | £39,200 Clears | £43,600 Misses |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
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.
Overview
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.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
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.
Overview
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.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
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- 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. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria
Essential Or Desirable
Stage(s) assessed at
A PhD, or currently working towards a PhD, in library and information studies, education, criminology or a related discipline.
Essential
Application
A first degree in a relevant subject area (or have equivalent experience)
Essential
Application
Understanding of, or demonstrable interest in, library and information services and/or criminal justice contexts.
Essential
Application / interview
Experience of undertaking evidence synthesis, literature reviews or similar scoping activities.
Essential
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Application / Interview
Ability to synthesise evidence and communicate key findings and implications for practice.
Essential
Application / Interview
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to communicate research findings clearly and appropriately for different audiences.
Essential
Application / interview
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professionally and sensitively with a range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
Essential
Interview
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines within a part-time role.
Essential
Application / interview
Knowledge of the prison, probation or wider criminal justice system, or of library services supporting people affected by incarceration.
Desirable
Application / Interview
Experience of working with non-academic partners or contributing to knowledge exchange activities.
Desirable
Application / Interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784-£43,482 pro rata
Work arrangement
Part-time 20% WTE- 7 hours per week
Duration
8 months (November 2026 - June 2027)
Line manager
Project lead
Direct reports
None
Right to work in the UK
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
Our website
https://sheffield.ac.uk/ijc
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Jayne Finlay, Lecturer in Librarianship on [email protected]
Ability to synthesise evidence and communicate key findings and implications for practice.
Essential
Application / Interview
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to communicate research findings clearly and appropriately for different audiences.
Essential
Application / interview
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage professionally and sensitively with a range of stakeholders, including people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
Essential
Interview
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines within a part-time role.
Essential
Application / interview
Knowledge of the prison, probation or wider criminal justice system, or of library services supporting people affected by incarceration.
Desirable
Application / Interview
Experience of working with non-academic partners or contributing to knowledge exchange activities.
Desirable
Application / Interview
Further Information
Grade
7
Salary
£38,784-£43,482 pro rata
Work arrangement
Part-time 20% WTE- 7 hours per week
Duration
8 months (November 2026 - June 2027)
Line manager
Project lead
Direct reports
None
Right to work in the UK
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
Our website
https://sheffield.ac.uk/ijc
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Jayne Finlay, Lecturer in Librarianship on [email protected]
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Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 2 weeks of the closing date. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within one week of the interview. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [email protected]
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What We Offer
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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.
Closing Date : 21/10/2026
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
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within 2 weeks of the closing date. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within one week of the interview. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [email protected]
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
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; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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.
Closing Date : 21/10/2026
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.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with The University of Sheffield, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Social and humanities scientists (SOC 2115) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~12k in sampleSOC 2115
- Offer £38,784–43,482
- Middle half £29,744–~46,592
- Median £38,168
- Minimum £41,700
- Going rate £40,400
- New entrant £33,400–36,400
The range sits inside the market's middle half (£29,744–~46,592), so this is typical pay for the occupation.
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at The University of SheffieldAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. The University of Sheffield holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2115 going rate of £40,400. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.