Research Associate - Green Spaces Social Prescribing

We have an exciting fixed-term post to scale up and sustain our green spaces social prescribing work through seeking external grant income, carrying out projects and writing high quality publications and develop a pathway to impact for future REF and KEF submissions.

You will develop and implement personal research and outreach plans, conduct individual and collaborative research, and support related outreach projects. Additionally, you'll help disseminate research findings through publications, presentations, or exhibitions, while continually updating knowledge in your field.

The successful post-holder will lead on the scaling up of existing Green Spaces social prescribing projects and will:

• Hold a postgraduate degree in an arts and creative practice based discipline


• Have demonstrable evidence of attaining external grant income for creative based social prescribing projects


• Be a practicing creative practitioner with experience and expertise in creative-based interventions focusing on green space social prescribing within the North East
  
  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.


The Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute leads on interdisciplinary health and social care research across the four Faculties of the University. The Institute is home to the Sunderland Social Prescribing Research and Knowledge Exchange Centre, developing innovative projects to increase the evidence base of social prescribing on health and wellbeing. The Institute works collaboratively with external partners in NHS, Local Authority, health and social care, VCSE and commercial settings to tackle health inequalities, empower patients and populations and support the healthcare workforce.

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.


• 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.