Research and Projects Coordinator

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. 

The Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion (IESI) is a significant flagship research institute within the University as well as a centre of excellence in economic and social inclusion that will grow the University's regional and national influence and impact as well as contributing meaningfully to the inclusion agenda of Sunderland and the wider region. 

Your next opportunity

This role is a key part of the IESI team and an exciting opportunity to be a part of delivering IESI and the University’s deep commitment to economic and social inclusion both in the North East region and nationally. The key focus of the role lies around evaluations, desk-based research, external observations, literature reviews and supporting the production of IESI’s research.

Is this you?

We’re looking for someone who’s passionate, proactive, and ready to bring fresh ideas to the table. If you love working with others, solving challenges, and making a difference, you’ll fit right in.

Three key areas of skills and experience we are looking for in this role are:

1. Being an experienced researcher. Able to conduct research (qualitative and quantitative) both on your own and as part of team. Working with external partners that range across the public, private and third sector.
2. Experience in managing and coordinating projects, often involving multiple stakeholders and to challenging timelines. So project management is a key area of competence we are looking for.
3. Evaluation skills and competence with evaluation methodologies are important to our work. Our research often examines policy decisions and service delivery and evaluates its effectiveness and how we might take lessons for the future, so these skills are critical to our work.

How you’ll make an impact

Your skills and experience will help us deliver outstanding results for our students, colleagues, and partners. Whether it’s your creativity, technical know-how, or leadership ability, we value what makes you unique.

IESI creates new opportunities for University research and relations with key partners and stakeholders, as well as positively impacting policy and delivery for marginalised and excluded communities in Sunderland, the region and across the UK. With a transparent and practice-led approach that encourages partnership and engagement, IESI is an enabling and additive to the existing portfolio of economic and social inclusion programmes and work that are already ongoing in the region.

Why join us?

At Sunderland University, we’re more than a place of learning, we’re a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don’t just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks:

• Generous annual leave: Benefit from a generous holiday package totalling 44 days, combining 31 days of annual leave, 5 festive closure days, and 8 Bank Holidays.
• Award-winning staff networks: Connect, share, and grow in an inclusive community.
• Lifestyle benefits: Discounts on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
• Health and well-being: Access to private medical insurance, health plans, and fitness discounts.
• Professional development: Opportunities to learn, progress, and achieve your goals.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 11th March (23.59 GMT). 

For any further information, please contact Professor Graham Thrower - graham.thrower@sunderland.ac.uk

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