Research Associate (Learning Disabilities and Autism)

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Social Care and Social Work at Manchester Metropolitan University seeks a Research Associate specializing in Learning Disabilities and Autism for an impactful NIHR-funded project. The role emphasizes high-quality research, collaboration, and participation to support social workers in their assessments, aiming to improve services for people with learning disabilities. Candidates should be passionate researchers with expertise in qualitative methods and a strong commitment to supporting diverse needs within social care.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Mentoring programmes

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting research with learning disabilities and autistic individuals.
• Knowledge of adult social care in England.
• Commitment to co-production/participatory research principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research and detailed analysis.
• Support co-production of resources and training.
• Contribute to the results write-up and prepare presentations.

Skills

Qualitative research methods

Participatory research approaches

Education

Doctoral level qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Psychology or related discipline

Tools

NVivo

Qualtrics

Job description

The Department of Social Care and Social Work is a successful academic community of students and staff committed to achieving high quality teaching, student experience and research. We deliver courses to over 800 students and are ambitious for growth. The Department has a track record of obtaining research council funding and has a growing portfolio of projects. Much of this is in the area of learning disabilities and autism, health inequalities, mental health and child protection.

The Role

The specific role is for a Research Associate (Learning Disabilities and Autism) to undertake research on a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded project, Supporting Social Workers to Include Sex and Relationships Needs in Care Act Assessments for People with Learning Disabilities and Autistic People. This exciting project is in collaboration with Choice Support's Supported Loving Network.

You will be a passionate researcher with an excellent grounding in qualitative and participatory research methods and experienced in working on projects focused on the needs of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of adult social care in England and a commitment to recognising and supporting the intimate lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.

The role will involve conducting high-quality research and detailed analysis; supporting the co-production of resources, training, and outputs; contributing to the write-up of results; and preparing and delivering presentations for internal teams, stakeholders, and external audiences such as research forums, conferences, or seminars.

The candidate will:

• Hold or be near completion of a doctoral level qualification in Social Care, Social Work, Psychology or a relevant discipline.
• Have experience conducting research or working with people with learning disabilities, autistic people, or social care staff.

• Have proficiency in qualitative research methods and data analysis, including proficiency in NVivo software and basic survey design and analysis, including the use of Qualtrics.

• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge around adult social care in England, and the needs of people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
• Have an understanding of and commitment to co-production/participatory research approaches, values, and principles.

Application & Assessment

• To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter outlining how your profile, experience and ambition make you the ideal candidate for the role as specified in the job description and person specification below.
• For any queries contact Dr Monique Huysamen [e-mail]
• Interviews will be on 16th July

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.