Research Associate in Education

The Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The Manchester Metropolitan University invites applications for a Research Associate in the School of Education to explore sustainable school leadership and how leaders adapt to changing demands across the UK and Europe. You will work with Professor Toby Greany and the research team on qualitative and quantitative methods.

The role offers opportunities to publish, present findings, develop research partnerships, and travel for national and international work, with flexible and hybrid

Qualifications

• Experience designing and undertaking research across qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Ability to analyse complex information and identify key themes for diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with track record of research outputs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and engage with relevant academic and policy research.
• Plan and carry out qualitative and/or quantitative research.
• Undertake interviews, focus groups and surveys with school leaders and stakeholders.
• Analyse and interpret research data and prepare reports and outputs.
• Present findings to academic and professional audiences; contribute to publications and conferences.
• Develop research partnerships and networks within the UK and internationally.
• Develop proposals for future large-scale research and funding opportunities.

Skills

Research design & methods

Qualitative & quantitative analysis

Excellent written & verbal comms

Independent & collaborative worker

European languages desirable

Education

Doctoral degree (PhD) in Education or related field

Job description

The School of Education is looking for a Research Associate to join an exciting programme of research exploring the future of sustainable school leadership.

Working with Professor Toby Greany and the wider research team, you will contribute to research examining how school leaders are responding to the changing demands being placed on schools, their staff, pupils and communities. The role will build on Professor Greany's recent ESRC-funded research into Sustainable School Leadership across the UK.

The research highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a significant turning point for schools, accelerating changes already underway while creating new challenges for school leaders. Alongside their focus on teaching, learning and educational improvement, leaders are increasingly required to respond to issues including inclusion, additional learning needs, mental health and wellbeing, safeguarding, behaviour and attendance.

This has raised important questions about the purpose of education, the role of school leaders and how schools can create environments where both educational improvement and care are supported.

About The Role

As Research Associate, you will play an important role in extending our understanding of these issues. You will undertake a range of research activities, including:

• conducting literature reviews and engaging with relevant academic and policy research
• planning and carrying out qualitative and/or quantitative research
• undertaking interviews, focus groups and surveys with school leaders and other stakeholders
• analysing and interpreting research data
• preparing research reports, papers and other outputs
• presenting findings to academic and professional audiences
• contributing to academic publications, conferences and seminars
• developing research partnerships and networks within the UK and internationally
• working with the research team to develop proposals for future large-scale research and funding opportunities.

The project includes research across a selection of European countries, so there will also be opportunities for national and international travel and to develop your research networks beyond the UK.

You will have the opportunity to take responsibility for aspects of the research project, while working closely with Professor Greany and other senior colleagues. You may also have opportunities to support research assistants and students and contribute to teaching-related activities within the School of Education.

About You

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in school leadership, education policy and the changing role of schools.

You will have experience of undertaking research and be confident working with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods. You will be able to analyse complex information, identify key themes and communicate your findings clearly to different audiences.

You will ideally have experience of research relating to school leadership and policy, together with evidence of making an independent contribution to research projects and producing written research outputs.

You Will Also Be Able To Demonstrate

• experience of designing and undertaking research
• the ability to synthesise complex information from different sources
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• the ability to work independently, manage your own workload and meet deadlines
• an ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team
• a doctoral-level qualification, or evidence that you are currently working towards one.

Experience of developing partnerships, presenting research, contributing to funding proposals or supporting student research would also be welcomed.

Fluency in one or more European languages would be desirable.

Interviews will take place on the 28th October

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.