Research Assistant - Applied Finance and Corporate Governance

Manchester Metropolitan University; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university is offering a research support role focused on biodiversity practices in listed companies. The position is hybrid, requiring data collection and analysis from various sources. Ideal candidates are Level 5/6/7 students with skills in research and proficiency in MS Excel or Stata. Responsibilities include compiling and structuring data and contributing to research reports. The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on December 18, 2025.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Opportunity for research experience

Qualifications

• Proven ability to conduct research and collect data.
• Experience in presenting complex information effectively.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support research data collection and analysis for biodiversity practices.
• Compile data from various sources into structured formats.
• Assist in writing research reports and disseminating findings.

Skills

Research skills

Data collection

Communication skills

Time management

Creative problem solving

Education

Level 5/6/7 students with module Financial Statement Analysis

Tools

MS Excel

Stata

Job description

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.

Main purpose of this role: provide research support to colleagues and support staff for the From Disclosure to Action: Mapping the Status and Drivers of Biodiversity Practice in UK Listed Companies by assisting with research data collection and analysis, and disseminating findings to appropriate research groups and contacts related to the project. Support the development of new areas in the field of Applied Finance and Corporate Governance.

Dates: 19 January 2026 – 20 March 2026
Hours: 10 hours per week
Location: Hybrid

Key Tasks

1. Data Collection
   • Extract relevant information from company annual reports, published articles, government websites, and other publicly available documents.
   • Ensure data accuracy and completeness.
2. Data Organization
   • Compile collected data into structured formats (Excel/CSV or database).
   • Categorize data based on company size, sector, and biodiversity-related indicators.
3. Documentation
   • Maintain clear records of sources and methodologies used.
   • Prepare summary notes and preliminary insights for the research team.

• Plan and prioritise own work and resources, within the research project framework, to achieve agreed research objectives.
• Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methods.
• 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

Present research to the team and in appropriate articles for publication, such as academic/professional journals or conferences.

Participate in internal and external partnerships and networks to aid the dissemination of research findings, share best practice, and enhance the reputation of the University.

Service Provision

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, offering general help and guidance to others and PhD students who may be assisting with the research project.

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 in the supervision of taught postgraduate and/or research students, as required, to support the development of 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.

Deliverables

• A comprehensive dataset of biodiversity practices of UK firms.
• Source documentation and summary report of findings.

Person Specification

Essential

• Level 5/6/7 students with module Financial Statement Analysis.
• Ability to undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and/or field work.
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research.
• Proficiency in the use of relevant software packages such as MS Excel or Stata.
• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge to work within an established research team.
• Experience of data collection.
• Experience of presenting and communicating complex information to a range of audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Experience of prioritising work independently and as part of a team in order to deliver individual and team objectives.

Desirable

• Knowledge of Corporate Governance of UK firms.
• Prior experience in literature review including an understanding of relevant research methods and techniques in the area.

How to Apply

Please apply via the Apply button, completing the form on the next page.

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on 18 December 2025.

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.

We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive recruitment. If you require or would benefit from support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in work, please contact us by e-mailing [e-mail]. This information will only be used and shared with those who require it to implement any change(s) and only at the point this is required.

If you have any queries, or need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.