Research Assistant - Degree Apprenticeships

Manchester Metropolitan University; United States; A distancia; USD 27.000 - 36.000; A tiempo parcial

Descripción de la vacante

Manchester Metropolitan University is inviting a Research Assistant to provide research support for Degree Apprenticeships as Vehicles for Lifelong Learning and Upskilling. You will assist with qualitative data collection (interviews and focus groups) and thematic analysis, disseminating findings to relevant groups.

Based in the UK, the role is primarily remote with some campus meetings. Only current Manchester Met students are eligible, for the Nov 2026–Feb 2027 period, averaging around 5 hours

Formación

• Postgraduate degree or substantial relevant experience in Education, Social Sciences, Psychology, or related field.
• Experience in data collection and funded research.
• Ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with NVivo and/or Dedoose.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsabilidades

• Conduct qualitative data collection (interviews and focus groups).
• Perform thematic analysis and data processing.
• Prepare findings and assist in dissemination to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with research team and PhD students.
• Support development of new research areas in work-integrated learning.

Conocimientos

Qualitative research

Data analysis

Report writing

Communication skills

Independent & teamwork

Project coordination

Educación

Postgraduate degree or substantial relevant experience in Education/Social Sciences/Psychology

Herramientas

NVivo

Dedoose

Descripción del empleo

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role. The main purpose of this role is to provide research support to colleagues and support staff for the Degree Apprenticeships as Vehicles for Lifelong Learning and Upskilling by assisting, and where necessary taking the lead, with research data collection and analysis, and the dissemination of findings to appropriate groups related to the project., The Research Assistant will conduct qualitative data collection (interviews and focus groups) and support thematic analysis. This role is critical to gathering insights from learners, educators, and employers across QAA member institutions in Scotland and England. Support the development of new areas in the field of work-integrated learning and educational research. Dates: 02 November 2026 -26 February 2027 Hours: Averagely 5 hours per week but work hours will be varied depending on the phase of the project Location: Remote with some meetings on the Manchester Met campus Interview Date: Monday 26 October 2026 Key Tasks Research Activities Phase Tasks Hours 4. Data Processing Validate transcription (7 interviews + 3 focus groups), anonymise data, and organise files 30 5. Data Analysis Thematic coding, draft findings report, support framework development 30 6. Reporting Attend team meetings, refine outputs, validation support 20 TOTAL 80

• Undertake qualitative research using thematic analysis.
• Plan, prioritise and organise own work or resources, and the work of Research Assistants and students where appropriate, in order to achieve agreed objectives.
• Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines.
• Liaison and Networking Participate in internal and external partnerships and networks in order to aid the dissemination of research findings, to share best practice, and to enhance the reputation of the University.
• Service Provision Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld.
• Collaborate with academic colleagues on research development and future direction.
• Team Working Actively participate as a member of the research team, offering general help and guidance to others and PhD students who may be assisting with the research project.

Miscellaneous

• You have a legal duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that you do not endanger yourself or anyone else by your acts or omissions. In addition, you must cooperate with the University on health and safety matters and must not interfere or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes.
• You are responsible for applying the University's Equal Opportunities Policy in your own area of responsibility and in your general conduct.
• You have the responsibility to promote high levels of customer care within your own areas of work.
• Such other relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with you. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld.
• You have the responsibility to engage with the University's commitment to Environmental Sustainability in order to reduce its waste, energy consumption and carbon footprint.
• You have the responsibility to engage with the University's commitment to delivering value for money services that optimise the use of resources and therefore should consider this when undertaking all duties and aspects of your role. This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the criteria below:

Essential

• Studying for, or holding a post graduate degree, equivalent qualification or substantial relevant experience, and evidence of continuous professional development in in Education, Social Sciences, Psychology, or a related field.
• Ability to undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and/or field work.
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research and scholarly activities.
• Proficiency in the use of relevant software packages such as (e.g., NVivo, Dedoose).
• Experience of funded research
• Experience of data collection
• Experience of presenting and communicating complex information to a range of audiences, both orally and in writing
• Experience of prioritising work independently and as part of a team in order to deliver individual and team objectives

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector, including an understanding of relevant research methods and techniques in the area.
• 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.