Community Recruitment Lead

About the University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland provides life‑changing opportunities for around 27,500 students across campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, as well as through global partnerships in 19 countries. Ranked in the top 30 UK universities (Guardian University Guide 2024), the University is known for its high‑quality facilities, inclusive culture and strong connections to its vibrant, evolving city.

The University is entering an exciting phase of development, guided by a new vision and refreshed strategic ambitions designed to respond to the changing higher education landscape in the UK and internationally.

About the Role

Applications are invited for the role of Community Recruitment Lead to support a research project funded by Prostate Cancer Research. The project, “Encouraging early diagnosis of PROstate CANcer for Black men (the PROCAN‑B+ study)”, is a mixed‑methods, multi‑centre randomised controlled trial evaluating a co‑produced, peer‑led intervention.

The PROCAN‑B+ study builds on the original PROCAN‑B project, which co‑designed an intervention to raise awareness of prostate cancer risk within Black communities. Black African and Caribbean men are at least twice as likely to develop prostate cancer and to die from it. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and address this significant cancer inequality. 

The main purpose of the Community Recruitment Lead is to support the recruitment and follow‑up of research participants within a designated region (London or Scotland).

Two part‑time posts are available (0.5 FTE), offered on a fixed‑term basis from 2 March 2026 to 30 August 2028. The role is primarily remote, but applicants must be based in London or Scotland. You will work with a diverse, multi‑institutional research team led by Dr Floor Christie‑de Jong (University of Sunderland), Professor Katie Robb (University of Glasgow) and Mr Moses Apiliga (Community Lead). 

Key Responsibilities 

• Act as Community Recruitment Lead for a designated study site
• Facilitate recruitment, follow‑up and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant community organisations
• Support delivery of the intervention and data collection activities
• Maintain accurate records in line with ethical and governance requirements
• Provide regular progress updates and contribute to project meetings and wider research activities 

The role may occasionally require evening or weekend work and some travel. 

What We Can Offer 

The University of Sunderland offers a supportive and inclusive working environment, with benefits including:

• 31 days annual leave, plus 5 Christmas closure days and 8 Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme membership
• Access to the My Lifestyle Benefits Platform with retail discounts and salary‑sacrifice schemes
• Discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans and CitySpace Fitness membership 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. In the 2023 staff survey, 97% of staff agreed that the University is committed to being an inclusive institution.

Additional Information

The closing date for applications is 5 February 2026 (23:59 GMT). Applications must be submitted via the University of Sunderland job portal; CVs are not accepted.

For an informal discussion, please contact Floor.Christie-Dejong@sunderland.ac.uk

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