Research Associate Games Centre

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to join the Manchester Games Centre and contribute to the STRATEGIES project, a UKRI–Horizon Europe funded initiative supporting Europe’s games industries in realising their potential as drivers of sustainable innovation.

The STRATEGIES project brings together international partners to explore how the games sector can contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal and help build an economy that works for people. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering research activities, collaborating with project partners, and contributing to the project’s impact across the European games ecosystem.

Alongside their work on STRATEGIES, the post holder will become a member of the Manchester Games Centre and contribute to its vibrant programme of research, knowledge exchange, and public engagement activities. This is a 12‑month backfill post based on temporary funding.

The Manchester Games Centre is an internationally recognised research group dedicated to the study of games, play, and interactive media. Bringing together researchers from across disciplines, the Centre explores the cultural, social, educational, and economic impact of games and gaming technologies. As a member of the Centre, the successful candidate will join a thriving community of scholars engaged in innovative and impactful research.

The School of English at Manchester Metropolitan University is a vibrant, inclusive, and research‑active community recognised for its impact on culture, creativity, and communication. Located in a city renowned for innovation and creativity, the School brings together expert practitioners, award‑winning writers, and internationally recognised researchers to create a dynamic environment for both students and staff.

Based on the University’s Oxford Road campus, the School benefits from outstanding facilities, including purpose‑built TV and radio studios, a language resource centre, a 180‑seat theatre, and the Manchester Poetry Library—the North West’s first public poetry library. These facilities support interdisciplinary collaboration across literature, creative writing, games, linguistics, media, journalism, performance, and publishing.

As part of Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature, the School is embedded within a thriving cultural and creative ecosystem, offering extensive opportunities for collaboration with cultural organisations, festivals, heritage initiatives, performance venues, and industry partners.

The School’s research is ranked among the best in the UK, with world‑leading impact in English language and literature. It is home to specialist centres including the Manchester Games Centre, the Manchester Writing School—one of the largest and most successful writing schools globally—and the Manchester School of Theatre.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher with expertise relevant to games research, digital culture, innovation, sustainability, creative industries, or related fields. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent research skills, the ability to work collaboratively within an international project team, and a commitment to producing high‑quality, impactful research.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes supporting a range of flexible working arrangements, mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support under‑represented groups.

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.

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.