Research Associate - REF Support

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking an enthusiastic and highly-motivated Research Associate to join the School of Education.

This exciting opportunity is part-funded through the Research Excellence: Accelerator Investment initiative and will
1) support the development of high-quality, internationally recognised research in the field of education and
2) support the generation and capture of research impact.

Working with Professor Cathy Lewin and Professor Steph Ainsworth, the successful candidate will contribute to the production of high-quality journal articles by undertaking literature reviews, analysing existing datasets, and drafting manuscripts for submission to leading academic journals. In addition, the successful candidate will support senior academics with the organisation and delivery of impact and engagement activities as well as capturing impact evidence.

The Research Associate will play a key role in advancing the University's research profile through two important strands of work. Firstly, the development of publications which are theoretically sophisticated, methodologically rigorous, and make a world leading contribution to knowledge and understanding. Secondly, by ensuring that impact and engagement activities reach relevant stakeholders and contribute to positive change in educational policy and/or practice;

and that high-quality evidence of reach and change is captured. You will work collaboratively with senior academics while also contributing to the wider research culture of the department.

• Conducting comprehensive literature reviews.
• Analysing existing qualitative datasets using advanced qualitative methods.
• Developing and drafting manuscripts for submission to highly ranked academic journals.
• Developing networks and partnerships with practitioners, policy-makers and other external stakeholders.
• Organising engagement and impact activities such as workshops and resource dissemination.
• Gathering impact evidence through surveys, interviews, usage metrics, and document citations.
• Presenting research findings at conferences, seminars, and research forums.
• Contributing to the wider activities of the School of Education.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with experience of educational research and a strong commitment to producing world-class research and impact. You will be able to draw on your experiences to support senior academics working in several established areas of educational research, including teacher resilience and professional development, primary literacy and science education, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), global citizenship education, and early childhood education.

• A doctoral qualification (or be close to completion) in a relevant discipline.
• Research experience in education, including literature reviews, qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis, and report writing.
• Evidence of making a demonstrable, independent contribution to research projects.
• Experience of preparing articles for publication in high quality journals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex findings for different audiences.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Awareness of the Research Excellence Framework and how Outputs, Impact and Engagement relate to research.
• A developing track record of publication in highly quality journals.
• Evidence of successful collaboration with external partners, including policy makers and practitioners.
• Experience of presenting research findings at national and/or international conferences.
• Experience of organising workshops/events and developing resources that support research impact.

• Assessment will include a competency-based interview, and will be held on 16 September.
• For informal enquiries about this vacancy, please contact Prof Cathy Lewin on

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an…