Research Associate

**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 and the Faculty of Education, Society and Creative Industries offers an innovative and creative research environment. The faculty encourages collaboration across different creative disciplines providing unique and enriching experiences, allowing you to work with colleagues from various backgrounds and specialties. The faculty engages with the local and wider community through projects, exhibitions, and events. This can provide a sense of purpose and connection, knowing that your work contributes to both academic and public spheres. Working in such a dynamic faculty can also offer you opportunities for professional growth and development, whether through research, collaborations, or involvement in industry projects.

**About the role**

We are looking for a Research Associate to lead interdisciplinary research into where localism and engagement with local people exists in youth theatres, participatory programmes, and amateur companies across the City of Sunderland.

As the first major study of local theatre, this is a key post in a new Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) funded research project,_ Local Theatres: Participation, Inclusion, Imagination._

You will lead research in participatory theatre-with a focus on creative and critical responses to localism within the City of Sunderland.

**What you can bring**

**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 36 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays.
- Enrolment into our generous 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.
- For those with young children, our on-site nursery offers exceptional care and education for children from birth to school age, operating throughout the year.
- 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.

**Interviews/assessments are likely to take place on Monday 21**st** October**

For any informal enquiries, please contact
- Dr Adelle Hulsmeier

Job Details
- Department
- Arts & Creative Industries - School of Media & Communications
- Location
- Sunderland Campus
- Salary
- £38,000 to £45,163
- Hours per Week
- 22
- Closing Date
- Saturday 12 October 2024
- Interview Date
- Monday 21 October 2024
- Reference
- 0307-24