Job Opportunities

Applications are invited for the position of Research Associate in Community Engagement at the Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, working closely with Professor Nora Pashayan.

The successful candidate will lead a key project implementing the REPRESENT recommendations, which aim to build long-term trusting relationships with communities and improve the representation of minoritized groups in cancer early detection research. The postholder will work closely with researchers from the University of Cambridge, Oregon Health & Science University, the University of Manchester, the German Cancer Research Centre and community liaison officers.

Main duties and responsibilities of the job

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of community engagement strategies guided by the REPRESENT recommendations.
• Adopt and champion the ROCRS (Research in Oregon Communities' Review System) process, supporting its rollout and training of other researchers.
  
• Conduct qualitative, anthropological research to better understand community perspectives and identify culturally appropriate engagement approaches.
• Prepare the ethics application and develop participant-facing materials.
• Contribute to the public dissemination of research findings, including the production of public framing documents. This will involve communicating material of a specialist or highly technical nature to a general audience.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of community engagement strategies guided by the REPRESENT recommendations.
• Adopt and champion the ROCRS process, including supporting its rollout and training of other researchers.
  
• Conduct qualitative, anthropological research to better understand community perspectives and identify culturally appropriate engagement approaches.
• Prepare the ethics application and develop participant-facing materials.
• Contribute to the public dissemination of research findings, including the production of public framing documents. This will involve communicating material of a specialist or highly technical nature to a general audience.
• Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and international research teams and community members.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, in both formal and informal situations. Present findings in academic conferences and community forums.
• Plan and manage own research workload in accordance with project timelines and deliverables.
• Commit to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Contribute to education and training activities within DPHPC.
• Participate in CCGE and DPHPC activities, meetings, and seminars as appropriate.

The funds for these posts are available for one year from commencement in employment in the first instance.

This is a full-time position. Part time applications of no less than 80% FTE will be considered.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience), including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD. Where a PhD has yet to be, awarded appointment will initially be made at research assistant and amended to research associate when PhD is awarded (PhD to be awarded within 6 months of start date).

Location - Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN

Informal enquiries can be made to np275@medschl.cam.ac.uk

Closing date: 4th August 2025

Interview Date: w/c 17th August 2025

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

For information about how your personal data is used as an applicant, please see the section on Applicant Data on our HR web pages - https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/hr-staff/hr-data/applicant-data

Please quote reference RS46616 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information

• Further Particulars (RS46616)