4 x Research Associates in Animal Studies (Humanities and Social Sciences)

Overview:
We are looking for four innovative researchers keen to engage in interdisciplinary research, with an arts & humanities and/or social sciences background in animal studies. We are offering four 3-year Post Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) positions, starting in September 2026. These posts arise from a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award. The project, Multispecies Mutualisms, involves working closely with a bigger research team comprising Professors Duffy, Cochrane and McKay and Dr Giraud. In these posts the successful candidates will research the representations and practices of multispecies mutualism for health across four domains: nature-cure (bird conservation), home (hypoallergenic dogs), food (ethical dairy) and work (equine therapy).

The overall project aims to generate a transformative reimagining of ‘multispecies mutualism’: the conviction that partnerships between humans and animals can underpin mental, physical and material health for all. Despite being associated with reciprocal benefits, lack of critical attention to the way that multispecies mutuality is represented, practised and theorised risks overlooking harms and inequalities. There is an urgent need for fresh interdisciplinary thinking to avoid deepening problematic relationships, and to promote genuinely mutualistic ones.

Our project will:
1) Examine how multispecies mutualisms are currently conceived, defined and contested in public representations of a healthy life.

2) Analyse how competing priorities and understandings of multispecies health are negotiated in practice.

3) Develop new theoretical approaches to identify and overcome potential harms and inequalities.

Two of the PDRAs will focus on representations of multispecies mutualisms; and two will focus on practices of multispecies mutualisms:

We seek two PDRAs with the knowledge and skills to research representations of multispecies mutualism. For these positions you will have knowledge of research methods such as (but not limited to) literary, historical or philosophical analysis, digital methods, discourse analysis.

We seek two PDRAs with the knowledge and skills to research the practices of multispecies mutualism. For these positions you will have knowledge of research methods such as (but not limited to) creative practice, interviewing/focus groups, ethnography, participant observation, photovoice.

You will be a core member of the Multispecies Mutualisms research team, based in the UK at the University of Sheffield. You will have the opportunity to develop and trial novel multispecies research methods. By joining wider research groupings at the institution, most notably Sheffield Animal Studies Research Centre (ShARC), you will contribute to building the reputation of the University as a focus of leading research in animal studies.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Organise data collection in specific locations (where relevant), and then analyse and interpret data generated by the project.
• Work in collaboration with the other project team members to develop novel multispecies research methods.
• Organise project-related events, such as seminars and knowledge exchange workshops with stakeholders.
• Engage in dissemination of project outcomes to a wide range of academic and non-academic audiences.
• Carry out other forms of data collection and analysis as required by the needs of the project.
• Attend relevant methodological, data processing and ethics training.
• Contribute to project dissemination through pro-active use of social media.
• Write supporting documents to contribute and support the work of the project team.
• Prepare single and joint authored academic publications in line with the strategic plans for the project.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at conferences, seminars and workshops.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the wider University, and more specifically the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations, the School of English, and interdisciplinary networks including ShARC through attendance at research seminars, relevant reading groups, etc.
• You will make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in applied teaching and research, and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole.
• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification
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.

At application stage applicants should indicate if they are applying for a role linked to representations, or to practices, or both.

A completed PhD in relevant discipline from Arts & Humanities or Social Sciences (including, but not limited to Creative Practice, English, Philosophy, Politics, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology)
Essential
Application

Background of arts & humanities or social science research in animal studies (including human-animal relations and multispecies approaches)
Essential
Application and Interview

Ability to collaborate in writing and publishing research outputs (both by leading on and contributing to) e.g. journal articles
Essential
Application and Interview

Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.
Essential
Application and Interview

Experience of adapting your disciplinary skills to interdisciplinary research
Essential
Application and Interview

Knowledge or experience of research methodologies suited to examination of representations or practices of multispecies mutualisms
Essential
Application and Interview

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Essential
Application and Interview

Ability to lead on, or contribute to organisation of research related events e.g. seminars, workshops and conference panels
Essential
Application and Interview

Experience of working with non-academic partners and stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations, charitable organisations, private sector, public sector
Desirable
Application and Interview

Knowledge or experience of research on human relations and dairy, equine therapy, hypoallergenic dogs or bird conservation
Desirable
Application and Interview

Further Information

Grade: 7
Salary: £38,784 - £47,389
Work arrangement: Full-time
Duration: 01/09/2026 - 31/08/2029
Line manager: PI and Co-Is of the Multispecies Mutualisms project
Direct reports: none
Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/spir/news/recruiting-researchers-animal-studies-humanities-and-social-sciences

For informal enquiries or if you have any questions about your suitability for these roles, please contact the project lead, Rosaleen Duffy on r.v.duffy@sheffield.ac.uk.

Next steps in the recruitment process
Please provide a CV and covering letter addressing how you meet the criteria for the role. You will be asked if you are applying for a role focused on representation or practices, or both. The covering letter should be no more than 1000 words.

Please also provide an example piece of work - published or unpublished - which you feel best demonstrates your research capability. This may include publications, preprints, project reports, grant proposals, or other relevant outputs. Written pieces should not exceed 10,000 words. You are welcome to submit work completed at any point in your career. We recognise that applicants may have taken career breaks for a variety of reasons.

Please send your example piece of work to Project Manager Lucy Dunning on l.a.dunning@sheffield.ac.uk. Please use the subject line ‘PDRA 2103’.

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 18 and 19 May 2026. This will consist of a presentation and interview. If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to give a short 10-minute presentation outlining how you plan to carry out the research. You may choose the format that best suits your communication style, and what feels most comfortable and accessible to you.

To assist with candidates’ preparation for the selection process, interview questions will be shared in advance via email to all shortlisted candidates. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 27 April 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Lucy Dunning on l.a.dunning@sheffield.ac.uk or 0114 222 8346.

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
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

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.

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