Senior Research Assistant - Sustainable Futures Pilot Project

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 4,600 - 6,800; Part time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolis University? We should ensure this text mentions Manchester Metropolitan University and describes the role. However, we must craft accurate content.

The company name is Manchester Metropolitan University. The paragraph below will describe the internship supporting the Creating Architectural Design Knowledge for Sustainable Futures project at Manchester Metropolitan University, based in the UK, with some online activity and travel within the UK.

Qualifications

• Current Manchester Met student or postgraduate with UK base.
• Ability to collect, organise and record research data accurately.
• Interest in architecture, AI, digital methods and sustainable design.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and delivering knowledge co-production workshops.
• Collect and organise data from workshops including notes, images, precedents.
• Support data analysis using traditional and AI-assisted methods.
• Identify key concepts and relationships in the research data.
• Help develop an interactive knowledge graph to structure knowledge.
• Assist with literature reviews and database searches.
• Contribute to reports, presentations and publications.
• Collaborate with the research team to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Maintain records in line with university policies on equality and data protection.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data collection & organisation

AI-assisted tools familiarity

Communication & teamwork

Digital literacy

Education

Postgraduate study in Architecture/AI/Data Science

Tools

AI-assisted tools

Literature search tools

Job description

Job Description

This opportunity is open to current Manchester Met students only. To apply, you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.

We are seeking a motivated and organised postgraduate student to support the Creating Architectural Design Knowledge for Sustainable Futures Pilot Project.

This innovative project explores how architectural design knowledge can be captured, structured and shared using digital and AI-assisted methods. Working alongside researchers within the Manchester School of Architecture, you will support the collection, organisation and analysis of research data and contribute to the development of project outputs that will help advance sustainable design practice.

The successful candidate will contribute to two key project outputs:

• An interactive digital knowledge graph capturing architectural design knowledge and relationships.
• A co-production toolkit to support design research and knowledge sharing.

Dates: 5th October 2026 - 18th December 2026

Hours: 1 day per week (approximately 7.5/8 hours), for 12 weeks

Location: Manchester School of Architecture, although some activities may take place online or involve occasional travel within the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning and delivery of knowledge co-production workshops involving architecture students and industry practitioners.
• Collect, organise and maintain research data generated through workshops, including notes, sketches, images, design decisions, precedents, materials and design strategies.
• Support the processing and analysis of research data using both traditional and AI-assisted methods.
• Assist in identifying and organising key concepts, themes and relationships within research data.
• Support the development of an interactive digital knowledge graph to structure and represent architectural design knowledge.
• Assist with literature reviews and database searches using academic and AI-assisted research tools.
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, presentations and publications.
• Work collaboratively with the research team to achieve project objectives and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate records and adhere to University policies and procedures, including equality, diversity and inclusion, data protection, and health and safety requirements.

Person Specification

This opportunity is open to current Manchester Met students only. To apply, you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.

Essential Criteria

• Currently studying for, or holding, a postgraduate qualification in Architecture, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Digital Design or a related discipline, or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.
• Ability to support research activities, including data collection, organisation and accurate record-keeping.
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and sound judgement to solve problems and contribute to research objectives.
• Good digital skills, including proficiency with standard software packages, and a willingness to learn new digital and AI-assisted tools.
• Knowledge of, or a strong interest in, architecture, AI, digital methods, data processing or related fields relevant to the project.
• Strong communication, organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of conducting research, literature reviews or analysing qualitative data.
• Experience using AI-assisted tools, data-processing software, visualisation tools or related digital technologies.
• Experience participating in or supporting workshops, collaborative research, co-design activities or knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Interest in sustainable design, knowledge graphs or the application of AI within research and professional practice.

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive recruitment. If you require or would benefit from support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in work, please contact us by e‑mailing [email protected]. This information will only be used and shared with those who require it to implement any change(s) and only at the point this is required.

If you have any queries, or need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.