Community Recruitment Lead reference: 0440-25-R

Opportunity Review: Community Recruitment Lead for Prostate Cancer Research

The University of Sunderland, recognized as a top 30 UK university by the Guardian University Guide 2024, is embarking on a significant research project focused on improving prostate cancer diagnosis within Black communities. This presents a compelling opportunity for individuals passionate about community health and research to make a tangible difference.

The role of Community Recruitment Lead is central to the PROCAN-B+ study, a mixed-methods, multi-centre randomized controlled trial. Building on prior co-designed interventions, this project directly addresses the disproportionately higher risk of prostate cancer incidence and mortality among Black African and Caribbean men. As a Community Recruitment Lead, you will play a crucial part in tackling this critical cancer inequality.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: This role offers the profound satisfaction of contributing to a vital health initiative that aims to reduce health disparities and save lives within a specific community.
• Research Exposure: Gain invaluable experience in a multi-centre randomized controlled trial, working closely with researchers and contributing to data collection and intervention delivery.
• Community Engagement: Develop and strengthen your skills in building relationships with community organizations, fostering trust, and facilitating patient and public involvement in research.
• Flexible Working: The role is primarily remote, offering flexibility. However, it requires you to be based in London or Scotland, allowing for regional focus and engagement.
• Collaborative Environment: Become a key member of a diverse, multi-institutional research team, working alongside leading academics and community experts.
• Professional Development: Opportunities exist to contribute to broader aspects of the research, enhancing your understanding and skillset within the research field.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Fixed-Term Contract: This is a fixed-term position, running from March 2, 2026, to August 30, 2028. Candidates should assess how this aligns with their long-term career goals.
• Part-Time Commitment: The role is part-time (0.5 FTE), meaning it requires a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week. This could be ideal for those seeking to balance research with other commitments or gain experience in a focused capacity.
• Geographic Requirement: While the role is primarily remote, you must reside in London or Scotland to effectively support recruitment and engagement within your designated region.
• Occasional Weekend/Evening Work: Be prepared for the possibility of occasional weekend or evening work to support recruitment and data collection activities.
• Interpersonal and Organizational Skills: Success in this role hinges on strong communication, relationship-building, and meticulous record-keeping abilities.

The University of Sunderland offers a supportive work environment with a generous annual leave package, pension scheme, and access to various lifestyle benefits designed to promote well-being. Their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion is a core value, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive.

This is an exceptional chance to contribute to impactful research that directly addresses a significant health inequality. If you are a motivated individual with a passion for community engagement and research, and you meet the geographic requirements, this role could be a valuable stepping stone in your career.