4 Research Associate Positions in Animal Studies at the University of Sheffield (Salary up to £47,389) @the University of Sheffield (Salary up to £47,389)

The University of Sheffield is inviting applications for four Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) positions in Animal Studies (Humanities and Social Sciences) within the School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations.

These 3-year research positions are part of a major interdisciplinary project funded by the Wellcome Trust. The project, titled “Multispecies Mutualisms,” explores how partnerships between humans and animals influence mental, physical, and material wellbeing.

The positions will be based in Sheffield, United Kingdom, with hybrid working options available.

Application Deadline: 12 April 2026
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Salary: £38,784 – £47,389 per year
Contract Duration: 3 years

About the Multispecies Mutualisms Research Project

The Multispecies Mutualisms project aims to rethink the relationship between humans and animals, focusing on the concept that cooperative partnerships between species can support shared wellbeing.

The project examines how these relationships are represented, practiced, and understood across four domains:

• Nature-cure: Bird conservation initiatives
• Home: Hypoallergenic dogs
• Food: Ethical dairy production
• Work: Equine therapy

Researchers will investigate how these relationships shape ideas about health while also exploring potential inequalities and ethical concerns within human-animal interactions.

Available Research Roles

The four positions are divided into two main research areas.

1. Researching Representations of Multispecies Mutualism

Two researchers will examine how human-animal partnerships are portrayed in culture and public discourse.

Relevant research methods may include:

• Literary analysis
• Historical research
• Philosophical analysis
• Digital humanities methods
• Discourse analysis

These positions focus on how ideas about multispecies health and cooperation are represented in media, literature, policy, and public debate.

2. Researching Practices of Multispecies Mutualism

Two researchers will study real-world practices and interactions between humans and animals.

Possible research methods include:

• Ethnography
• Interviews and focus groups
• Participant observation
• Creative practice methods
• Photovoice

These roles will explore how multispecies relationships function in everyday life and how different stakeholders negotiate the meaning of “mutual benefit.”

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will play a central role in the research team and contribute to both academic and public engagement activities.

Main responsibilities include:

• Conducting and organizing data collection for the research project
• Analysing and interpreting qualitative and interdisciplinary data
• Developing innovative research methods for multispecies studies
• Organising seminars, workshops, and stakeholder events
• Producing academic publications and presenting findings at conferences
• Engaging in knowledge exchange with academic and non-academic audiences
• Contributing to project communication, including social media outreach

Researchers will also participate in interdisciplinary collaborations across the university, particularly through the Sheffield Animal Studies Research Centre (ShARC).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Essential Requirements

Candidates must have:

• A completed PhD in a relevant field such as:
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Geography
  • English
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Creative Practice
• Research experience in animal studies, human-animal relations, or multispecies research
• Experience contributing to academic publications
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary research teams
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills

Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of research methodologies relevant to either representations or practices of multispecies mutualism.

Desirable Experience

Additional advantages include:

• Experience collaborating with non-academic partners such as NGOs or policy organisations
• Research related to:
  • Ethical dairy production
  • Equine therapy
  • Hypoallergenic dogs
  • Bird conservation

Application Process

Candidates must submit the following materials:

• CV
• Cover letter (maximum 1,000 words) explaining how they meet the role criteria
• Example research output (maximum 10,000 words)

The research sample can include:

• Published or unpublished papers
• Project reports
• Grant proposals
• Preprints or academic publications

Applicants must also specify whether they are applying for a role focused on:

• Representations
• Practices
• Or both

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to give a 10-minute research presentation during the interview stage.

Interview Dates: 18–19 May 2026

Benefits of Working at the University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield offers a range of benefits to support staff wellbeing and professional development, including:

• At least 41 days of annual leave including bank holidays
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• A generous pension scheme
• Staff discounts on travel, shopping, and dining
• Professional development and mentoring opportunities
• Inclusive staff networks and wellbeing programs

The university is also a Disability Confident Employer and actively promotes diversity and inclusion.

APPLY NOW

These postdoctoral positions provide an exciting opportunity for early-career researchers to contribute to an innovative interdisciplinary project examining the ethical and social dimensions of human-animal relationships.

If you have expertise in humanities or social science research related to animal studies and want to work on a globally relevant project supported by the Wellcome Trust, this opportunity at the University of Sheffield could be an excellent next step in your academic career.

Application Deadline: 12 April 2026

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is hiring. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.