Research Associate - Uncovering Hidden Inequality

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Manchester is seeking a dedicated Research Associate for an ESRC-funded project focusing on death administration and social inequality. The role involves day-to-day project management, research collaboration, and qualitative method application. Candidates should hold a PhD in Sociology or a related field, with expertise in qualitative research methods. The position offers a competitive pension scheme and excellent employee benefits, with potential for hybrid work arrangements.

Benefits

Market-leading Pension scheme

Excellent health and wellbeing services

Exceptional annual leave entitlement

Local and national discounts

Qualifications

• Experience with research involving social sciences.
• Strong background in death studies or social inequality.
• Ability to work with external organizations.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the research project.
• Oversee the project's website and outreach efforts.
• Collaborate with external partners on project objectives.

Skills

Qualitative research methods

Project management

Communication skills

Education

PhD in Sociology or related field

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Research Associate to work on the ESRC-funded project, 'uncovering hidden inequality: developing new ways of doing death administration' directed by Professor Kate Reed in the Department of Sociology, University of Manchester.

The project starts on 1 December 2025 and the contract is for 3 years. The Research Associate will be based in the Department of Sociology in the School of Social Sciences.

'Death administration' refers to the tasks that must be completed after someone dies, such as notifying officials, dispersing belongings, and managing probate. We require a research associate to work with us on this innovative project, using qualitative methods to explore the relationship between death administration and under-recognised forms of social inequality. Working with a range of external organisations such as the National Bereavement Service, the project aims to establish the extent to which death administration processes create or reinforce experiences of inequality, and outline recommendations for ways to improve current policy and practice.

Responsibilities

Working under the guidance of the P.L., the research associate will have responsibility for the day-to-day running of the project including management of the project website.

What you will get in return

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Equal opportunities

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries

Name: Professor Kate Reed

Email: [e-mail]

General enquiries:

Email: [e-mail]

Technical support: https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.