NetDRIVE Researcher: Green Scheduling

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University invites applications from current students based in the UK for a research support role on the NetDRIVE project. You will lead aspects of Work Package 2, collect and analyse data, liaise with stakeholders, and disseminate findings through reports and presentations.

The role involves independent work, collaboration with research staff, adherence to university policies, and regular in-person meetings across the project.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning research interviews.
• Experience interviewing facility managers and policy/decision makers.
• Degree or substantial relevant experience or qualification.
• Evidence of continuous professional development in sustainable computing.
• Knowledge of green software engineering and current practices.
• Research experience in green software engineering.
• Ability to synthesise complex data and communicate findings in reports and presentations.
• Experience preparing high quality written reports of results.
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to advance research.
• Independent contribution to projects and ability to work both independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research activities and plan day-to-day work for objectives.
• Lead on tasks within Work Package 2 and liaise with stakeholders.
• Prepare and present findings to internal and external groups; contribute to reports.
• Develop research proposals and manage project budgets with senior staff.
• Collaborate with colleagues on future research directions.

Skills

Planning research interviews

Conducting interviews

Green software engineering knowledge

Data synthesis and reporting

Written reporting

Initiative and problem solving

Independent and team work

Education

Degree or substantial relevant experience

Job description

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 NetDRIVE "Pathways to Effective Carbon Reductions by Use of Green Scheduling" project. This will be by assisting, and where necessary taking the lead, with research data collection and analysis, and the dissemination of findings to appropriate groups related to the project. Specifically you will be leading on aspects of Work Package (WP) 2, under the supervision of Dr Bane and liaise with people working on other workpages. WP2 was defined in the grant proposal as:

• Liaison with key stakeholders regarding potential constraints, namely (a) Technical issues: including an understanding of what accuracy & reliability of carbon intensity (CI) forecasts is required, barriers to cross-platform scheduling (including practicalities of data transfer but also data sovereignty), effects of all jobs potentially scheduled at the same time & location both on host facility but also in terms of energy generation, as well as facility capacity and uptime constraints. (b) Policy issues: different elements of (e.g.) UKRI DRI may not wish to share resources or may require reserved resources. Furthermore, it is important to understand the views of stakeholders in terms of the added VALUE elements [from WP1a run by another party] and imperative to consider potential carbon accounting/budgets/caps.
• Location: DoCM research area / at home. Meetings will be on a regular (e.g. weekly) basis, generally in person.

Key Tasks Research Activities

Undertake research activities as outlined above Plan and prioritise own day to day work and resources to achieve agreed research objectives, and the work of small teams of research assistants and/or research students as required, in order to achieve agreed objectives. Undertake quality research and detailed analysis, and present findings to appropriate internal and external groups, such as research forums, conferences, or seminars, as required. Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications. Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines.

Liaison and Networking

Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through journals, conferences and seminars, in order to further the institution's standing in the HE and research community. Participate in the development of internal and external partnerships and networks in order to disseminate information, share best practice, generate income, establish opportunities for collaborative work, and to enhance the reputation of the University. Work with partners and external agencies on collaborative projects that benefit both the department and the Faculty.

Service Provision

Develop own and/or joint research objectives, budgets, and project proposals with senior research staff which meet funding criteria and benefit the department. Keep relevant stakeholders updated on progress, and be responsible for exploring their needs, and acting on feedback, in order to ensure that research delivers against their requirements. Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld. Collaborate with academic colleagues on research development and future direction.

Team Working

Actively participate as a member of the research team, providing mutual support to colleagues to achieve successful completion of projects. Attend Faculty, Department and Programme meetings/boards as appropriate to proactively contribute to decision making. Introduce new starters to the area, giving training on basic skills and activities to assist their induction to the team. Assist senior staff in the guidance and support of new research assistants or members of staff within the department as appropriate. Supervise the work/projects of taught postgraduate and/or research students as required to support the development of students' research skills.

Miscellaneous

You have a legal duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that you do not endanger yourself or anyone else by your acts or omissions. In addition, you must cooperate with the University on health and safety matters and must not interfere or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes. You are responsible for applying the University's Equal Opportunities Policy in your own area of responsibility and in your general conduct. You have the responsibility to promote high levels of customer care within your own areas of work. Such other relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with you. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld. You have the responsibility to engage with the University's commitment to Environmental Sustainability in order to reduce its waste, energy consumption and carbon footprint. You have the responsibility to engage with the University's commitment to delivering value for money services that optimise the use of resources and therefore should consider this when undertaking all duties and aspects of your role.

Experience

• Experience in planning research interviews
• Ability to undertake interviews as part of a research project, typically with facility managers and (national) policy/decision makers
• Studying for, or holding a degree, equivalent qualification or substantial relevant experience,
• Evidence of continuous professional development in sustainable computing
• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of green software engineering knowledge (including current practice), to work within established research programmes
• Research experience in the field of green software engineering
• Ability to synthesise complex data from different sources and communicate findings orally and via written reports and articles for a range of diverse audiences
• Experience of preparing high quality written reports of results
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research and scholarly activities
• Experience of making a demonstrable, independent contribution to projects
• Experience of working 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
• Experience presenting at national and/or international research meetings

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Thursday 8 October 2026.

Interviews for this role will take place, in person, on Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 October 2026. 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.