Research Associate - LGBTQ+ inclusion at work - (9701)

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an ambitious and talented Research Associate to join the Business School.

This twelve-month opportunity (likely from February/March 2027 to February/March 2028) will support the development of high-quality, internationally recognised research in the field of LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion.

Working closely with Professor Luke Fletcher in the Faculty of Business and Law, the successful candidate will contribute to fieldwork and qualitative data collection activities (and the writing up of analyses for journal publication) as well as supporting the development of a large research funding bid that builds from the project.

About the Role

The Research Associate will play a key role in advancing the University's research profile and Faculty's research priorities through leading fieldwork and data collection activities (mostly qualitative) as well as the writing up of analyses for academic publications and supporting a large research funding application. You will work collaboratively with senior academics while also taking responsibility for progressing independent research activities and contributing to the wider research culture of the People and Performance department.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the design and planning of the project.
• Leading the fieldwork and data collection activities and associated data recording/management processes.
• Leading the advanced qualitative analysis of fieldwork data and writing up of the analysis for publication (both academic and policy/practice outputs).
• Undertaking reviews or critical analyses of the literature where appropriate.
• Supporting with the development and drafting of manuscripts for submission to highly ranked academic journals.
• Supporting with the presentation of research findings at conferences, seminars, and research forums.
• Supporting the development of external research funding applications.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external partners.
• Contributing to the wider activities of the Business School where appropriate.

About You:

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with expertise in qualitative fieldwork and advanced qualitative analytical methods and research interests in LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. You will be committed to rigorous qualitative methods that centre lived experience as well as participatory and creative approaches, and to producing high-quality outputs and developing high-quality external research funding applications. We also would appreciate someone that can conduct expert (or subject matter expert) interviews (e.g., with senior managers, EDI professionals) as well as more participatory methods with LGBTQ+ groups and individuals.

You will have:

• A doctoral qualification (or be close to completion) in a relevant discipline (e.g., organisational psychology or sociology of work, management/organisation studies, gender studies or LGBTQ+ studies, industrial relations).
• Demonstrable breadth/depth of knowledge (and experience) about qualitative research design/methods/analysis
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and organise work on multiple tasks.
• Ability to synthesise complex data from different sources and communicate findings orally and via written reports and articles for a range of diverse audiences.
• The ability to build productive relationships and research networks.

Desirable Criteria

• In-depth knowledge about LGBTQ+ lives as it pertains to work and employment as well as EDI/DEI strategies and initiatives within organisations.
• Specific knowledge around employment and equality law would be also be appreciated.
• Demonstrable evidence of continuous professional development (e.g. undertaking additional research methods training or researcher skills development programmes)
• Hold membership with the British Psychological Society or British Sociological Association where you adhere to their guidelines around ethical professional/research practice
• Preparation of funding proposals and applications to external funders.
• An emerging track record of publications in highly ranked journals.
• Evidence of successful collaboration with external partners and stakeholders.
• Experience presenting research findings at national and/or international conferences.
• Experience with expert interviewing and/or participatory approaches to data collection.

Application & Assessment 

• To apply, submit your CV and respond to a few set questions pertaining to specific criteria via our online portal. Please note applications received without answering all the pre-set questions will not be considered. 
• Please provide a list of any publications, conference papers, grant/funding applications in your CV, regardless of their specific relevance to the topic area.
• Please also provide information about doctorate level qualification in your CV, particularly if the thesis has been submitted but you are awaiting the viva/defense or are currently in a revision period (post viva).
• Assessment will include a competency-based interview between 11^th and 15^th January 2027, ideally in-person at Manchester Metropolitan University.
• Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.  
• For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact Professor Luke Fletcher at l.fletcher@mmu.ac.uk 

Further Information 

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. 

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups. 

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy. This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.