Research Assistant - Degree Apprenticeships

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Degree Apprenticeships and lifelong learning project. The role is remote with occasional Manchester campus meetings, focusing on qualitative data collection and thematic analysis across Scotland and England.

Key tasks include interviews, focus groups, data processing, and reporting to the research team, aligned to the project timeline 02 November 2026 to 26 February 2027, with an average of about 5 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in qualitative research methods and reporting.
• Experience with transcription and thematic analysis.
• Ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience with coordinating research activities and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Undertake qualitative research using thematic analysis.
• Plan, prioritise and organise own work and supervise students where appropriate.
• Write up results and prepare for presentation to the team.
• Contribute to research reports and publications.
• Use initiative to solve problems affecting objectives and deadlines.

Skills

NVivo

Dedoose

Qualitative research

Data collection

Interviews/focus groups

Education

Postgraduate degree or equivalent

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.

The main purpose of this role is to provide research support to colleagues and support staff for the Degree Apprenticeships as Vehicles for Lifelong Learning and Upskilling 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.

Project Overview

This QAA-funded project explores lifelong learning opportunities within degree apprenticeships, focusing on tripartite relationships between learners, employers, and educators. The goal is to develop an actionable framework to leverage these opportunities for workforce resilience and innovation.

Role Purpose

The Research Assistant will conduct qualitative data collection (interviews and focus groups) and support thematic analysis. This role is critical to gathering insights from learners, educators, and employers across QAA member institutions in Scotland and England.

Support the development of new areas in the field of work-integrated learning and educational research.

Dates

02 November 2026 -26 February 2027

Hours

Averagely 5 hours per week but work hours will be varied depending on the phase of the project

Location

Remote with some meetings on the Manchester Met campus

Interview Date

Monday 26 October 2026

Key Tasks

4. Data Processing

Validate transcription (7 interviews + 3 focus groups), anonymise data, and organise files

30

5. Data Analysis

Thematic coding, draft findings report, support framework development

30

6. Reporting

Attend team meetings, refine outputs, validation support

20

TOTAL

80

• Undertake qualitative research using thematic analysis.
• Plan, prioritise and organise own work or resources, and the work of Research Assistants and students where appropriate, in order to achieve agreed objectives.
• 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

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

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 a 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.

Person Specification

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

Essential

• Studying for, or holding a post graduate degree, equivalent qualification or substantial relevant experience, and evidence of continuous professional development in in Education, Social Sciences, Psychology, or a related field.
• 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 and scholarly activities.
• Proficiency in the use of relevant software packages such as (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose).
• Experience of funded research
• 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 the Higher Education sector, including an understanding of relevant research methods and techniques in the area.

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 [email protected]. 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.