Research Fellow (Sport Policy) - (7481)

Fellowship Opportunity: Investigating the Social Impact of Sport

Sport Policy Unit at Manchester Metropolitan: 

The study of sport policy and management can contribute to overcoming some of the most significant challenges facing society today. Sport, sporting infrastructure, major events and physical activity can all have a role to play in countering the global rise in obesity and mental health issues by improving the lives of individuals. Sport—if managed effectively—can further contribute to sustainable development and the creation of equitable and thriving communities.

Our Sport Policy Unit (SPU), based in our award-winning, triple accredited Business School, consists of 20 scholars researching a wide range of topics that coalesce around the social impact of sport, including the roles of sport participation, spectatorship and volunteering in promoting mental health and wellbeing, social and ecological sustainability, and diversity, equity and inclusion.  SPU members are a multi-disciplinary group with backgrounds in sport policy, sport management, sport sociology, applied economics, political science and international relations. Our work has been funded by UK Sport, Sport Scotland, the Japanese Foundation, the International Olympic Committee, UEFA, FIFA and the Rugby Football League. This research has led to an excellent track-record of outputs that contributed to MMU's ‘Sport' submission to the UK's REF 2021, where the institution ranked 6^th overall in the UK for ‘research power'. SPU members also regularly publish their work in leading academic journals in sport and related disciplines, including leisure, business, health, and political science. Our researchers have expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including sector-leading work in the analysis of the economic and social impact of sporting events.

About the role: 

• To undertake world-leading and internationally excellent research using latest and innovative methodologies, as relevant in your area of research. 

• To prepare, present and publish research outputs through the appropriate forums e.g. research workshops, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, portfolios, academic journals etc. 

• To develop ideas for generating income to ensure the continued success and growth of research portfolio.  

• To disseminate findings of research widely to further the institution's standing in the HE and research community and strengthen the impact of the research.

• To engage in scholarly activities conducive to a long-term successful academic career that will support and enhance the research culture within the Department/ School, Faculty and University.

About the candidate: 

We welcome applications researchers working in sports policy either on the social impact of sport or on the relationship between the economic and social benefits of sport as it relates to climate change. Our research would be particularly complemented by a research fellow with a background in sport policy and management and with a particular interest in the use of sport and sporting events for social good. 

Requirements: 

• Doctoral level qualification in a related research area. 

• Possess breadth or depth of specialist knowledge and demonstrate potential for research independence.

• Excellent track record of relevant research outputs. 

• Significant research experience in the chosen field of research, which should include where appropriate: 
  • leading the work of a team, co-ordinating effort and resources to meet objectives 
  • developing partnerships within the University and with external agencies  
  • preparing funding proposals and applications to external bodies 
  • using initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to research 
  • synthesising complex data from different sources and communicating findings via written reports and articles 
  • presenting at national and/or international research meetings 
  • supervising student work and providing appropriate support and feedback. 

• Experience of managing and monitoring performance of research projects in multi-disciplinary teams.

• Ability to manage projects involving academic institutions and funding bodies. 

Please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification for a full list of essential & desirable criteria. 

Academic Contact: Professor Jonathan Grix (J.grix@mmu.ac.uk) or Professor Yuhei Inoue (Y.Inoue@mmu.ac.uk) to discuss the fellowship opportunity in detail. 

Application Process: 

To apply to the Fellowship, please provide the following documents: 

• Research Interest Statement (no more than two sides of A4, font size 11, 2 cms margin): Statement should include your long-term career aspirations, how your research till date and plans to develop and contribute towards your research interest in the future will impact the University's Research Strategy whilst working with an existing team of researchers.  

• Research Proposal (no more than four sides of A4, font size 11, 2 cm margins): Kindly provide a research proposal focused on a specific topic within the research faculty you are applying for. The proposal should be accompanied by a Gantt chart outlining a 3-year research timeline.  

• Curriculum Vitae (include details of your education, citizenship, publications, funding, employment history & names of referees) 

Please note that panels will not consider attachments that fall outside of the limits, where specified. 

We aim to offer up to a maximum of 15 fellow appointments, for which we will be assessing applicants competitively across the four faculties that are welcoming applications. 

Assessment Timelines: 

• The application window will be available for 8 weeks and will close on 29 May 2024
• Interviews will be held on-site in Manchester (where practical) in the w/c 17 and 24 June 2024
• We aim to make offers to successful candidates in the w/c 03 July 2024

Enquiries:  

If you haven't found your specific area of research, please click here to sign up to our job alerts. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on researchfellowships@mmu.ac.uk  

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.    

We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this throughout the application process.  

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