Research Associate (Impact)

1000scholars; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Mentoring programmes

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Department of People and Performance at Manchester Metropolitan University invites applications for a Research Associate (Grade 7) to support developing and tracking impact for two REF2029 projects. The role is based in the Business School and involves creating toolkit-based outputs for policy audiences, plus external stakeholder engagement.

You will translate research into practical impact, manage multiple workstreams, and contribute to dissemination metrics.

Qualifications

• Experience translating research into impact by writing toolkits and/or producing reports for policy and practitioner audiences.
• Ability to communicate findings orally and in writing for diverse audiences.
• Track record of effective project management and collaboration with external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Produce an adult social care workforce strategy implementation framework/toolkit for local authorities.
• Roll out the toolkit to other local authorities and track dissemination.
• Compile an evidence file and an impact report for the Gender Pay Gap project, with metrics.

Skills

Research impact writing

Stakeholder communication

Project management

Policy/practice reporting

Education

Doctoral level qualification (held or working towards)

Job description

The Department of People and Performance at Manchester Metropolitan University is based in its Business School and, drawing on innovative research and teaching techniques, offers specialist accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in human resource management, business psychology and sport business and marketing management. It houses the Centre for Decent Work and Productivity | Manchester Met (mmu.ac.uk) where researchers investigate what causes of - and who has - decent and productive work and what can be done to shape a bright future for the world of work. The centre is nationally and internationally recognised for its work in this area, with many leading scholars who hold prestigious research grants, publish in high-quality journals and create substantial impact on policy and practice.

The Department is seeking to appoint a Research Associate (Grade 7) to support with developing and tracking impact for two of its research projects which, it is anticipated, will be impact case studies for REF2029. Details of these can be found at the links below:

Research: Creating an adult social care workforce strategy for Cornwall | Manchester Metropolitan University

Research: Gender pay gaps in medicine | Manchester Metropolitan University

The Research Associate will support the research team in:

• Producing an adult social care workforce strategy implementation framework/toolkit, drawing on existing research that underpins a local authority strategy co-written by centre members.
• Rolling out of the toolkit to other local authorities.
• Tracking dissemination and citations, and compiling a comprehensive evidence file related to the Gender Pay Gap project, with associated metrics, and producing an impact report.

About you

You will have experience of translating research into impact by writing toolkits and/or producing reports for policy and practitioner audiences. You will also have experience of working with these outputs with external stakeholders to generate impact. You will possess a well-developed knowledge of the health and social care system in England. You will be able to demonstrate a track record of effective project management and communication with a range of stakeholders and collaborators.

Essential skills

• Hold or be working towards a relevant doctoral level qualification
• 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 use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines.
• Possessing sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge of health and social care in England to work within the research and impact programme.

Further information

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Professor Carol Atkinson via [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 all local and international communities, including 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.

£36,320 to £40,704. Pro Rata. Grade 7