Research Assistant - EnviroTech Living/Breathing Lab

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 2,200 - 3,600; Part time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University invites applications for a research support role within the Geography and Environmental Sustainability focus. The position is open to current MMU students and runs Oct 2026 to 31 May 2027, with hybrid work and up to 8 hours per week when needed.

You will assist with data collection, literature reviews, and dissemination of findings to academic and external stakeholders. Eligible candidates are pursuing or holding a postgraduate degree with strong analytical and

Qualifications

• Ability to synthesise complex data from different sources and communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording outcomes.
• Proven ability to plan, prioritise and manage tasks independently and in teams.
• Strong knowledge of Geography and/or Environmental Sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Identify sites of ecological and climate vulnerability in Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
• Begin literature reviews on social impacts of infrastructure and climate change.
• Review local climate policies and initiatives in Liverpool and Manchester.
• Plan and prioritise day-to-day work, potentially leading small teams.
• Undertake quality research and present findings to internal and external groups.
• Write up results and prepare presentations for stakeholders.
• Engage with quality assurance and environmental sustainability commitments.

Skills

Synthesize complex data

Oral and written communication

Independent research

Initiative and judgement

Environmental sustainability knowledge

Teamwork and collaboration

Critical thinking

Job description

Current Opportunity

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 staff for the project titles "EnviroTech Living/Breathing Lab: Building A North West SciArt Network to Address Climate Impacts, Mitigation and Adaptation" 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. Support the development of new areas in the fields of Sociology and Environmental Sustainability. Dates: October 2026 - 31 May 2027 Hours: 4 hours per week, variable throughout project with a maximum of 8 hours in any given week. Location: Hybrid

Key Tasks Research Activities

• Identify sites of ecological and climate vulnerability in the Merseyside and Greater Manchester, focusing on: (i) industrial heritage, (ii) infrastructure transitions, (iii) environmental preservation, and (iv) social impacts.
• Begin literature review of social impacts of infrastructure transitions, environmental change and harm, and climate cultural heritages.
• Review of local climate adaptation and mitigation, environmental preservation, and technology infrastructure policies and initiatives in Liverpool and Manchester.

Other responsibilities include:

Plan and prioritise own day to day work and resources to achieve agreed research objectives, leading the work of small teams of research assistants and/or research students as required.

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.

Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines.

Assist with data collection as part of creative and environmental sensing pilot.

Assist with forming North West Sci-Art network, identifying relevant stakeholders and academic partners.

Liaison and Networking

Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through reports and journals 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, 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

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.

Collaborate with senior academic staff to organise, manage and carry out appropriate research.

Respond to enquiries and requests for information from potential students, academic staff from other HE institutions, and relevant stakeholders, when required.

Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld.

Team Working

Actively participate as a member of the research team, providing mutual support to colleagues to achieve successful completion of projects.

Attend research team meetings and proactively contribute to decision making.

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.

This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the criteria below - successful applicants will be invited to attend an interview during week commencing 12 October 2026 (timings TBC).

Essential

• Studying for, or holding a post graduate degree, equivalent qualification or substantial relevant experience, and evidence of continuous professional development in Geography and/or Environmental Sustainability
• Ability to synthesise complex data from different sources and communicate findings orally and via written reports and articles for a range of diverse audiences
• 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
• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of environmental sustainability knowledge (including current practice), to work within established research programmes
• Research experience in the field of Geography and/or Environmental Sustainability
• Experience of making a demonstrable, independent contribution to projects
• Experience of preparing written reports of results
• Experience of data collection
• 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

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.