About the University of Sunderland

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 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.

The University of Sunderland is in an exciting phase of its development with a new vision and redefined strategic ambitions designed to take advantage of the ever-changing higher education landscape at home and overseas.

About the role

You are invited to apply for the role of Research Associate to work with us on a research project funded by Prostate Cancer Research. The project title is: ‘Encouraging early diagnosis of PROstate CANcer for Black men (the PROCAN-B+ study): A mixed-methods, two-arm, multi-centre randomised controlled trial of a co-produced, peer-led intervention’.

In the original PROCAN-B study we co-designed an intervention to raise awareness of the risk of prostate cancer among the Black community. In this follow-on project, the PROCAN-B+ study, we build on the previous work and test the intervention’s effectiveness. Black African and Caribbean men are at twice the risk of developing prostate cancer, and at least twice the risk of dying from it. This project aims to tackle this cancer inequality.

Supported by the wider research team, you will contribute to the management and delivery of all aspects of the research, including intervention delivery, data collection, data analysis and data dissemination.

You will work as part of an exciting team from multiple institutions, including academic, clinical and community partners. As Research Associate you will be a key member of the team. The project is led by Dr Floor Christie-de Jong (University of Sunderland), Professor Katie Robb (University of Glasgow) and Mr Moses Apiliga (Community Lead). For an informal chat about the role please contact: Floor.Christie-Dejong@sunderland.ac.uk

This is an on-campus, fixed-term role for 30-months starting 1st March 2026.

What you can bring

The successful candidate 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. Ideally, you will have experience of trial management and some background in research relating to 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 will be a good communicator and able to present research progress and outcomes to a range of audiences.

What we can offer you

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.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 4th January (23.59 GMT).

Please note that applications are only accepted via the University of Sunderland's job portal, we do not accept CVs as part of the process.

For any informal enquiries please contact Floor.Christie-Dejong@sunderland.ac.uk

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