Research Associate

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an education or psychology researcher at a leading university in Manchester. The role involves supporting an ESRC-funded project aimed at promoting teacher resilience and offers opportunities for co-authorship, data analysis, and the development of practical tools in educational research.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in research with peer-reviewed publications.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Capacity to deliver work to agreed deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support analysis and dissemination of key findings.
• Co-author multiple papers with the senior research team.
• Assist in developing and launching a teacher resilience toolkit.

Skills

Qualitative research data analysis

Report writing

Presentation skills

Education

PhD in Education or Psychology

Job description

An exciting opportunity for an education or psychology researcher has become available to join an ESRC-funded project, ‘Decentring the ‘resilient teacher': exploring interactions between individuals and their social ecologies'. The aim of the project is to explore ways to promote teacher resilience. The project brings together interdisciplinary expertise from across education and psychology. The successful applicant will work closely with the PI (Dr Steph Ainsworth) and Co-I (Dr Jeremy Oldfield) on this project.

The project is reaching its final stage, and we are looking for someone to support with analysis and dissemination of the key findings. There will be the opportunity to co-author multiple papers with the senior research team. The candidate will also gain experience of generating real-world impact from the research findings, including supporting the development and launch of an online teacher resilience toolkit.

About you

Applicants should possess a PhD in either Education or Psychology and have experience of research analysing qualitative research data. You will also have a proven track-record in research, and peer-reviewed publications and reports to reflect this. You should be able to work independently and as part of a team with a proven capacity to deliver work to agreed deadlines. You will be expected to take an appropriate degree of responsibility for key tasks such as, data collection, data analysis, report-writing, presentations and publications.

Details about the post

This is a full-time short-term appointment at Research Associate Grade 7 (£32,348 - £36,386) funded until 30th November 2025. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The successful applicant will be based within the School of Education and Professional Development at MMU, in Manchester. There will be an opportunity to work from home for the majority of the time, as appropriate and agreed with the PI and Co-I.

How to apply

To submit an application for this role use the link below. Please ensure that with your application you include a CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

For informal enquiries or visits, contact Dr Steph Ainsworth [e-mail]; or Dr Jeremy Oldfield [e-mail]

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.