Research Associate

You are invited to apply for the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate to work with one of our research projects funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Screening tests for illnesses like breast, bowel, cervical cancer, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can save lives. However, individuals from ethnic minority groups, particularly Black African and Caribbean people, have been found to participate less in these screenings. This means that Black African and Caribbean people may be more likely to discover illnesses too late for optimal treatment. We are conducting a randomised feasibility trial to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and implementation of a co-designed, faith-based and peer-led intervention to improve breast, bowel, cervical and AAA screening uptake among Black African and Caribbean communities in the UK. The aim is to improve screening uptake within these communities. Supported by the research team, the post-holder will manage all aspects of the research, including intervention delivery, data collection, data analysis and data dissemination.

You will have a PhD (or be near completion) in public health or a related field within social sciences (e.g. health psychology, sociology, anthropology), excluding lab-based biomedical sciences. You will have extensive experience in relevant health research, particularly feasibility studies or clinical trials, and possibly regarding cancer, screening and/or health inequalities. You will ideally have both quantitative and qualitative research skills. You will be self-motivated and able to work independently, but you will also be a team player. You are a good communicator and able to present information on research progress and outcomes to different audiences. You will be working with an exciting team from multiple institutions, including national and international, academic, clinical and community organisations. As Research Associate you will be a key member of the team. The project is led by Dr Floor Christie-de Jong from the University of Sunderland and Dr Judith Eberhardt from Teesside University.

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries. We're proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

• Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays.
• Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future.
• Access to our "My Lifestyle Benefits Platform", where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate.
• Your health and well-being are important to us. That's why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities.
Equality, diversity & inclusion We strongly believe that an inclusive university, where a diverse range of individuals feel valued and have equal opportunity to get into work and reach their potential, is good for our staff, students, university, and society. Our work on equality, diversity and inclusivity has never been more important. We believe inclusivity is an essential value at the heart of what we do, and we want all our staff to be part of that journey with us. Our recent staff survey conducted in 2023 showed that 97% of our staff believed that we were committed to achieving an inclusive university.