Research Assistant in Applied and Educational Linguistics

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking a researcher to support UK literacy studies, analysing qualitative data and helping disseminate findings. You will work within a team, conduct literature reviews and prepare results for publication, supported by internal QA and partnerships.

This role emphasises methodological rigour and collaboration within an education research context. The post requires knowledge of England's language education policy, strong organisation, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• Knowledge of language education policy/practice in England's schools.
• Ability to plan, set up, conduct and record research outcomes.
• Ability to use initiative and judgement to develop approaches for research.
• Sufficient breadth/depth to work within an established research team.
• Experience presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
• Experience prioritising work independently and in a team to meet objectives.

Responsibilities

• Organise and conduct basic analysis of qualitative data (interviews, notes, artefacts).
• Plan and prioritise work within the research project framework to meet objectives.
• Conduct literature reviews on linguistic justice and educational change.
• Write up results and prepare for presentation to research team and stakeholders.
• Contribute to research reports and publications; disseminate findings.
• Present research to the team and in appropriate journal articles or conferences.
• Engage with quality assurance, collaborate with colleagues on development and direction.
• Attend team meetings; support a healthy, safe, inclusive working environment.

Skills

Language education policy knowledge

Research design & data analysis

Initiative & judgement

Team collaboration

Communication of complex information

Independent & collaborative prioritisa

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 UK Literacy Association funded study 'Co-producing futures of linguistic justice in schools' by assisting with research data collection and analysis, and the dissemination of findings to appropriate research groups and contacts related to the project. This project is examining how different teachers and schools across England engage with concepts and methods from critical language awareness in order to make their schools linguistically just. Understanding and awareness of current education policy in England (especially including language) would be an advantage., Organise and conduct basic analysis of qualitative data, including interview transcripts, case study notes, fieldwork notes, and classroom artefacts. Plan and prioritise own work and resources, within research project framework, in order to determine the most effective way to achieve agreed research objectives. Conduct a broad literature review of contemporary research related to linguistic justice, social justice, and educational change. 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 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. Attend research team meetings as appropriate to 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 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., 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.

Essential

• Knowledge of language education policy/practice in relation to England's schools.
• 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.
• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge to work within an established research team.
• 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.