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

University of Sheffield - School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations

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 - £41,064
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 processPlease 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’.