Research Assistant Jobs (University of Sheffield)

If you are planning to look for a job that aligns with your Masters, you’ve likely realized that most opportunities come in the form of university research assistantships. This post could probably apply to any of the cohorts but I’m going to use my Year 1 University of Sheffield as an example. For reference, most of the paid public health part-time jobs are going to be some sort of research. These are difficult to find but very useful for getting experience and making some extra money. 

What Are Research Assistant Jobs Like in the UK?

In the UK international students can work up to 20 hours a week and, as of now, the minimum wage is around 12 pounds/hour. It is possible to get a paid job in research but the job market in the UK is competitive (definitely more so than in my home country). It’s unlikely that anyone will simply offer you a paid opportunity and unpaid placements/dissertation work is quite common in the UK. Almost all entry level positions will be rudimentary data cleaning/entry/ transcription, so don’t expect to be performing your own complex analyses. They almost all have flexible hours and many are remote. 

How Can I Find a Research Job?

The most common piece of advice is to check the university job listing website. However, this can be frustrating as a lot of the postings are so specific you’re unlikely to meet the qualifications. I do know a couple people in my cohort who found success in this. If your application is accepted, expect to have an interview. One job in particular had multiple people from my cohort all interviewing for the same position. 

The secret way to get one of these jobs is to look for a professor/department/research team that aligns with your background and reach out to them (usually via email but can be in-person). Now this is a gamble, so don’t expect a reply. I did this and I got lucky because I happened to find a project that needed extra paid help. I know other people who have cold-emailed professors and been turned down, but it’s worth a try. Usually larger projects with lots of grant funding or a big sponsor (like the NHS, WHO, etc.) will have more ability to take on a paid assistant. Just be very polite and direct and send a copy of your CV. Willingness to work on any project will increase your chances. Employers appreciate flexibility. 

How to Get the Most out of a Research Position 

Personally, I think most of your practical skill development will happen in the workplace so it’s important that you try to find a job that aligns with your career goals. Once you have a job, make the most of the opportunities available to learn about the research process, and do everything to learn more about the research you’re doing. If you’re offered the chance to contribute to a conference/poster/paper, that’s even better. Don’t be afraid to branch out and integrate yourself with your co-workers. It’s also a good opportunity to meet more locals!

Volunteer Research

The University of Sheffield has lots of volunteer research opportunities. Get involved with some of your professors’ projects, even if it’s just for a few hours a month. Everyone in my cohort was offered the chance to participate, it’s just a matter of your willingness to dedicate your free time. If you want to do a PhD in Europe it’s advantageous to have co-authorship on a publication from a European institution. These experiences will also help you secure your Year 2 placement internship.