Event Assistant - ESRC Festival of Social Science

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Manchester is offering a role for current students to provide research support for the ESRC Festival of Social Science. You will engage the public through crafting workshops and contribute to showcasing poetry related to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture. This role requires a postgraduate degree or similar experience and is aimed at enhancing public engagement skills.

Qualifications

• Experience within the Poetry Library, part of ambassador pool.
• Studying for or holding a relevant postgraduate degree.
• Experience prioritizing work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support to staff for the ESRC Festival.
• Engage the public in crafting workshops.
• Contribute to projects and deliver individual and team objectives.

Skills

Public engagement

Creative approaches

Independent contribution

Teamwork

Relationship building

Education

Post graduate degree or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role. The main purpose of this role is to provide research support to colleagues and support staff for the ESRC Festival of Social Science event, to be held at Manchester Poetry Library on 22 October. The event will feature collated poetry and texts relating to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller culture by the Poetry Library, as well as opportunities to engage the public in a crafting workshop, to explore the use of polymer clay as a creative material, and engage the public with stories of alcohol consumption in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Dates: 22 October 2025

This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the criteria below:

Essential

• Prior experience within the Poetry Library, e.g. being part of their ambassador pool.
• Studying for, or holding a post graduate degree, equivalent qualification or substantial relevant experience, and evidence of continuous professional development in public engagement and / or creative approaches.
• Experience of making a demonstrable, independent contribution to projects
• Experience of prioritising work independently and as part of a team in order to deliver individual and team objectives

Desirable

• Experience building relationships, networks and partnerships with internal and external contacts
• Familiarity with the research area of stories of alcohol consumption in Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
• Experience facilitating craft workshops, ideally with clay

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.