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.
The role
This research assistant post will support a clinical study of dental health in children with rare genetic conditions. Rare conditions are defined as those that affect fewer than 1/2000 people in the UK.
Whole genome sequencing has identified dozens of new, rare genetic conditions predominantly affecting children. There is little research into the effect of these rare conditions on dental development (ie abnormalities of tooth formation) or on the general dental health of children with rare conditions. This project will study the dental health of children with rare genetic conditions. Participants will be invited to attend a research visit where they have a standardised dental assessment. A detailed online questionnaire survey of dental hygiene and oral health will also be conducted.
This project is supported by a team of paediatric dentists and a clinical academic in medical genetics. This project will provide clinically useful insights into the dental health of children with rare genetic conditions.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Maintain site file and relevant study documents
- Arrange ordering of consumables for study
- Facilitate recruitment of study participants
- Arrange travel for study participants
- 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.
Essential criteria:
- Undergraduate qualification in science or health care or equivalent experience (assessed at: application/interview) - G6
- Post-graduate qualification in science or health care or equivalent experience - G7
- Experience of working with children, young people and families in either a clinical or research setting (assessed at application/interview)
- Experience or training in statistical analysis using software such as SPSS (assessed at application/interview) - G7
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including, experience of report writing and delivering verbal presentations (assessed at: application/interview).
- Good IT skills (competent in Word, Excel, email). (assessed at application/interview)
- Excellent organisational and team working skills (assessed at interview)
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of managing projects or project management qualification (assessed at application/interview)
- Good clinical practice certificate (assessed at application/interview)
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place within two weeks of the closing date. This will consist of an interview with a 5-minute presentation outlining your experience relevant to this post. We plan to let successful candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within one week of the closing date.
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
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.
