Senior Research Assistant reference: 0176-25

About the University of Sunderland 

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're proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.

The University of Sunderland is in an exciting phase of its development with a new vision and redefined strategic ambitions designed to take advantage of the ever-changing higher education landscape at home and overseas.

At Sunderland, we’re not just offering a job, we’re offering a place where you can grow, connect, and feel truly valued.

You will work as part of the Faculty of Education, Society and Creative Industries, in the School of Performance and Media.

About the role

As a Senior Research Assistant, you'll be an important part of our team, helping to design, develop and distribute surveys to key stakeholders, managing resources and initial survey responses, to offer support around attaining clearer understanding of impact in our research.

The University of Sunderland’s School of Performance and Media has maintained a partnership with Northumbria Police and the Police Crime Commissioner’s Office to create films that serve as invaluable training resources for police, partners, educators, and professionals. The films’ impact extends beyond the University becoming educational tools in broader contexts by supporting workshops and training initiatives led by the police and their partners. The films are disseminated across the UK, amongst help centres, police training courses, schools, sixth forms and colleges, and to wider agencies and clients and Voluntary Organisations, providing dynamic, reciprocal drivers of crime planning and education.

You will enhance the collection of impact data related to the dissemination of police films across the sector and amongst participants, helping to further substantiate the police projects as a strong example of a REF impact case study. You will be expected to:

-             Create and design surveys for distribution amongst relevant partners

-             Converse with partners to ensure the successful dissemination of the survey

-             Ensure legacy of the surveys for distribution past the role’s completion

This role is a fixed-term contract for 10 days, working 7.4 hours a day. 

What you can bring 

The successful candidate will have experience of survey design, writing, and targeting and will be able to maintain relationships both internal and external through effective communication skills. 

What we can offer you 

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 31 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 Tuesday 10th June (23.59 GMT).

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 18th June

For any informal enquiries please contact, Dr Adelle Hulsmeier, adelle.hulsmeier@sunderland.ac.uk 

Closing Date: 10 Jun 2025

Team: Research

Salary: £31,168 to £36,040