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.

We’re proud to be a top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026) and we are first in the North-east for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) and for teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026). With top-quality facilities, an inclusive culture, and a vibrant, ever-changing city, Sunderland is an exciting place to learn and work.

The University 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.

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 influence and impact as well as contributing meaningfully to the inclusion agenda of Sunderland and the wider region.

Join us at the University of Sunderland and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of education. This role offers the chance to make a real impact in a vibrant, supportive environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

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.

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:

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.

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
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  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
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  Discounts on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
• Health and well‑being
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  Access to private medical insurance, health plans, and fitness discounts.
• Professional development
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  Opportunities to learn, progress, and achieve your goals.

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

Please note that applications are only accepted via the University of Sunderland's job portal, we do not accept CVs as part of the process.

For any further information, please contact Professor Graham Thrower - gra