Research Associate - REF Support - (9426)

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an enthusiastic and highly-motivated Research Associate to join the School of Education.

This exciting opportunity is part-funded through the Research Excellence: Accelerator Investment initiative and will 1) support the development of high-quality, internationally recognised research in the field of education and 2) support the generation and capture of research impact.

Working with Professor Cathy Lewin and Professor Steph Ainsworth, the successful candidate will contribute to the production of high-quality journal articles by undertaking literature reviews, analysing existing datasets, and drafting manuscripts for submission to leading academic journals. In addition, the successful candidate will support senior academics with the organisation and delivery of impact and engagement activities as well as capturing impact evidence.

About the Role

The Research Associate will play a key role in advancing the University's research profile through two important strands of work. Firstly, the development of publications which are theoretically sophisticated, methodologically rigorous, and make a world leading contribution to knowledge and understanding. Secondly, by ensuring that impact and engagement activities reach relevant stakeholders and contribute to positive change in educational policy and/or practice; and that high-quality evidence of reach and change is captured. You will work collaboratively with senior academics while also contributing to the wider research culture of the department.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting comprehensive literature reviews.
• Analysing existing qualitative datasets using advanced qualitative methods.
• Developing and drafting manuscripts for submission to highly ranked academic journals.
• Developing networks and partnerships with practitioners, policy-makers and other external stakeholders.
• Organising engagement and impact activities such as workshops and resource dissemination.
• Gathering impact evidence through surveys, interviews, usage metrics, and document citations.
• Presenting research findings at conferences, seminars, and research forums.
• Contributing to the wider activities of the School of Education.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with experience of educational research and a strong commitment to producing world-class research and impact. You will be able to draw on your experiences to support senior academics working in several established areas of educational research, including teacher resilience and professional development, primary literacy and science education, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), global citizenship education, and early childhood education.

You will have:

• A doctoral qualification (or be close to completion) in a relevant discipline.
• Research experience in education, including literature reviews, qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis, and report writing.
• Evidence of making a demonstrable, independent contribution to research projects.
• Experience of preparing articles for publication in high quality journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex findings for different audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

• Awareness of the Research Excellence Framework and how Outputs, Impact and Engagement relate to research.
• A developing track record of publication in highly quality journals.
• Evidence of successful collaboration with external partners, including policy makers and practitioners.
• Experience of presenting research findings at national and/or international conferences.
• Experience of organising workshops/events and developing resources that support research impact.

Application & Assessment

• To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability, on the application portal.
• Assessment will include a competency-based interview, and will be held on 16 September.
• For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact Prof Cathy Lewin on C.Lewin@mmu.ac.uk 

If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you!

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.