Community Recruitment Lead

The University of Sunderland is seeking a dedicated Community Recruitment Lead to join a vital research project focused on improving prostate cancer diagnosis within the Black community. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, working on a project that aims to address significant health inequalities. As a top 30 UK university with a strong commitment to inclusivity and innovation, the University of Sunderland offers a supportive and engaging environment for its staff.

About the Opportunity

This part-time role (0.5 FTE) is for a fixed term of 30 months, commencing on March 1, 2026. The primary focus of the Community Recruitment Lead is to drive participant recruitment for the PROCAN-B+ study across designated regions (London, North East England, or Scotland). This mixed-methods, multi-centre randomized controlled trial builds upon previous co-designed interventions to raise awareness of prostate cancer risks and test the effectiveness of a peer-led approach. This project directly addresses the disproportionately higher risk of prostate cancer incidence and mortality faced by Black African and Caribbean men, making it a truly impactful initiative.

What You'll Do

As a Community Recruitment Lead, you will be instrumental in the success of this research project. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Leading participant recruitment efforts for your assigned study site.
• Facilitating participant engagement and supporting their ongoing involvement in the study.
• Organising and delivering Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities.
• Building and nurturing relationships with community organisations in your region.
• Assisting with the delivery of the research intervention and data collection processes, such as distributing questionnaires and conducting follow-ups.
• Maintaining meticulous records of recruitment and data collection, adhering to all ethical and governance standards.
• Providing regular progress updates and promptly highlighting any challenges.
• Actively participating in project meetings and contributing to broader research activities as needed.

While the role is primarily remote, occasional weekend or evening work and travel may be required to support recruitment and data collection activities.

Advantages for Your Career Path

This role offers several compelling advantages for candidates looking to advance their careers in research, community engagement, and public health:

• Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to a project that tackles critical health disparities and aims to save lives.
• Research Experience: Gain hands-on experience in a multi-centre randomized controlled trial, understanding the intricacies of participant recruitment and data collection within a research setting.
• Community Engagement Skills: Develop strong skills in building relationships with diverse communities and organisations, a highly transferable asset.
• Collaboration: Work within a multidisciplinary team of researchers and community leads from various institutions, fostering a collaborative and learning-rich environment.
• Flexibility: The predominantly remote nature of the role offers a good work-life balance, with opportunities to manage your own schedule effectively.
• Professional Development: Contribute to a research project that is at the forefront of addressing health inequalities, enhancing your professional profile.

Key Considerations for Candidates

To thrive in this role, consider the following:

• Passion for Public Health: A genuine interest in addressing health inequalities and improving outcomes for underserved communities is essential.
• Community Focus: Experience or a strong understanding of working with diverse community groups, particularly within the Black community, would be highly advantageous.
• Organizational Skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain accurate records, and adhere to strict timelines is crucial.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are vital for building rapport with participants and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Be prepared for occasional evening/weekend work and travel as required by the project's needs.
• Remote Work Proficiency: Demonstrate the ability to work independently and productively in a remote setting.

What the University Offers

The University of Sunderland is committed to supporting its staff and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days, plus 5 closure days at Christmas and 8 Bank Holidays.
• Enrolment in a valuable pension scheme.
• Access to the "My Lifestyle Benefits Platform" for significant retail discounts and exclusive purchase schemes (car, bike, technology).
• Support for your health and well-being, including discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and financial well-being guidance.
• Discounted membership at CitySpace Fitness, the university's state-of-the-art sports and social facility.

The University of Sunderland champions Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and have equal opportunities. Join a forward-thinking institution dedicated to making a real difference.