University of Sheffield Hiring for Research Fellow in Early Years Education Job at Sheffield, England Full Time

Job Reference Number: UOS031932

Job Title: Research Fellow in Early Years Education

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Working Pattern: Full-time

Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences

Department: School of Education

Salary: Grade 7.3, £34,304 per annum

Closing Date: 28th February 2022

Summary:

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have a background in

psychological/educational/health research and/or feasibility studies ? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s

leading research-intensive Universities?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic,ambitious Research Fellow to work on an innovative research project “A

modelling and feasibility study of the Positive Early Childhood Education (PECE) programme” funded by the Nuffield

Foundation and led by Dr Anna Weighall, in the School of Education at the University of Sheffield. PECE is underpinned by the

evidence base of the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Programme – you can find out more about the PECE

programme here: https://www.peceprogram.net/global/home/

About the project

Early years (EY) education develops skills essential for school readiness, addressing inequalities resulting from early

disadvantage. The PECE programme is designed to build EY workforce knowledge, confidence and skills and enhance early

years’ educators’ self-efficacy in implementing strategies that promote children’s development, social competence and

self-regulation. PECE is already being used in the UK, Australia, Canada and the USA, building on international studies.

However, to support the ongoing development and implementation of PECE in the UK, a large-scale cluster randomised

controlled trial is planned. This project represents the first steps in developing such an evaluation. There are three work

packages: (1) generation of a logic model and programme theory for PECE, (2) feasibility study of PECE, (3) mixed-methods

process evaluation.

The successful applicant will work closely with the project team and be responsible for the day-to-day management of the

project. The post will involve the planning, coordination and completion of all stages of the project.

Responsibilities include: working with the project team and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of the project;

engaging stakeholders to produce an intervention logic model and programme theory; recruitment of nursery settings;

conducting observational assessments of children and educators and collecting, analysing and interpreting both qualitative

and quantitative data.

To apply you will have a first degree and PhD in education, psychology, applied research or related subject area. You will have

relevant experience of undertaking research in educational settings and/or in intervention development and evaluation. You

must also have experience of undertaking qualitative and quantitative research. Knowledge and understanding of behaviour

change theory and evidence-based frameworks would also be beneficial.

We’re one of the best not-for-profit organisations to work for in the UK. 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.