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- Tasks: Manage research projects focused on improving cancer screening in Black African and Caribbean communities.
- Company: Join the University of Sunderland, a top 50 UK university with a vibrant culture and global partnerships.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, pension scheme, health insurance, and discounts on fitness and lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health inequalities while working with a diverse, supportive team.
- Qualifications: PhD (or near completion) in public health or social sciences; experience in health research required.
- Other info: Full-time role based in Sunderland for 24 months, starting March 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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 are proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.
About the role
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. This is a full-time, campus-based (Sunderland) role for 24 months, starting on the 1st of March 2025.
What you can bring
- 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.
What we can offer you
- 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 Monday 13th January. Interviews will likely be held on Thursday 23rd January.
Research Associate employer: University of Sunderland
Contact Detail:
University of Sunderland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific health issues and screening challenges faced by Black African and Caribbean communities. Understanding these nuances will help you engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to the project's goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in public health and social sciences, especially those who have experience in feasibility studies or clinical trials. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, particularly any work related to health inequalities or community engagement. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed research projects or collaborated with diverse teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic in health research. This will not only demonstrate your expertise but also your ability to convey complex information clearly, which is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Associate position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your experience in public health or related fields, particularly any work involving feasibility studies or clinical trials. Provide specific examples of your quantitative and qualitative research skills, as well as your ability to communicate research findings effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for improving health outcomes in minority communities. Mention your understanding of the importance of the project and how you can contribute to its success.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a research role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sunderland
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the specific research project and its goals, especially regarding health inequalities and screening uptake in Black African and Caribbean communities. This will help you articulate how your background and skills align with the project's objectives.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Highlight any relevant projects or studies you've worked on, particularly those related to feasibility studies or clinical trials, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working with a diverse team from multiple institutions, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully contributed to a team effort, showcasing your communication skills.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the research project, the team dynamics, and the university's commitment to inclusivity. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
