The role

A postdoctoral research fellow position in the cancer care group (School of Health Sciences) is available at the University of Surrey. The position will support a NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme funded study aimed at testing the acceptability and feasibility of delivering a breast cancer awareness intervention to women of Black African and Black Caribbean heritage in ante-natal settings.

The University of Surrey is seeking an experienced research fellow to join the project team. The post-holder will be based at Surrey (under the supervision of Dr Afrodita Marcu) and will join a wider team of academics at the University of Surrey working on this project (Professor Emma Ream, Professor Jo Armes, Dr Pippa Lally, and Professor Heather Gage). To deliver the project, the post-holder will also work closely with PPI representatives and collaborators at King’s College London, Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Medway NHS Foundation Trust. They will undertake quantitative research exploring the feasibility of the intervention, and qualitative research exploring what makes the intervention acceptable to pregnant women and midwives. They will work with the broader team to assess the feasibility outcomes of the trial, and to determine the primary outcomes on which to power a future full-scale trial. The appointed research fellow will work closely with the PPI panel, and will travel to the two study sites (Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Medway NHS Foundation Trust) to set up the study and recruit participants. A DBS check will be required for the research element of the role. The expected start date is 1 November 2026.

About you

The successful candidate will be experienced in quantitative research, midwifery research or women’s health research, behaviour change interventions and/or feasibility trials, and be interested in research on cancer or health inequalities. They will be an integral member of the cancer care group and will be encouraged in the development of their own research plans. Candidates should have a proven track record of research contributions in a relevant discipline, and be committed to diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Please complete the application form evidencing your skills and experience against the essential criteria required for the role and attach your CV.

Further information

Informal enquiries about this vacancy can be made to Dr Afrodita Marcu (afrodita.marcu@surrey.ac.uk) or Professor Emma Ream (e.ream@surrey.ac.uk).

For more information and to apply online, please download the further details and apply via our website.