Principal Research Fellow - Institute of Education

Full time – 37 hours per week

Closing date Wednesday 11/11/26 at 23:30

This role may close earlier than advertised due to volumes of applications however it will not close before 11/11/26 therefore please apply before that date if possible.

Sheffield Institute of Education Research and Knowledge Exchange (SIRKE) are currently looking for a new Principal Research Fellow, with a specialism in statistics and quantitative methods in social research.

The successful applicant will support and provide leadership to a team of quantitative specialists and be expected to demonstrate experience in successful bidding for external funding and confidence in designing and delivering large‑scale research, evaluation and knowledge exchange projects in the fields of education, sociology and/or psychology.

Candidates should be confident in their ability to provide quality assurance on quantitative work, lead on any new statistical analysis methods required by funders and to disseminate learning and skills to other colleagues. In addition, candidates should be able to demonstrate critical approaches to the design of research and evaluation projects and be able to explain their thinking and research results to expert and non‑expert audiences, both in writing and verbally. Expertise in one or more of the following is likely: Stata, R package.

We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in the design and delivery of research and evaluation projects that deploy experimental (e.g. RCTs) and/or quasi‑experimental (propensity matching, regression discontinuity, synthetic controls) designs. Experience in the critical use of psychological outcome measures would also be viewed positively.

Much of our work involves close collaboration between quantitative and qualitative specialists. Therefore, it is desirable that the successful candidate has experience in leading complex projects with a diversity in methodological approaches and recognises the benefits and traditions of these.

We offer a diverse range of benefits and opportunities to pursue a rewarding and fulfilling career in a supportive environment.

If you are offered this post you will be subject to an enhanced check with barred lists for children and adult workforce by the Disclosure and Barring Service.  A criminal record will not necessarily prevent you from working at Sheffield Hallam University but its relevance to the duties of the post will need to be assessed before the appointment is confirmed.

Sheffield Hallam welcomes applications from all candidates irrespective of age, pregnancy and maternity, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, or marital or civil partnership status.

For this job we particularly welcome applications from ethnic minority applicants who are underrepresented in this area/this type of job at Sheffield Hallam.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international applicants in this role; this will depend on a number of factors specific to the individual applicant. You are advised to assess your eligibility against the criteria set out in the UKVI Guidance before applying.

Please note this job may be eligible for the Global Talent Visa – Researcher or Academic leader route. Please visit GOV.UK for information.

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