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.
Project Overview
This QAA-funded project explores lifelong learning opportunities within degree apprenticeships, focusing on tripartite relationships between learners, employers, and educators. The goal is to develop an actionable framework to leverage these opportunities for workforce resilience and innovation.
Role Purpose
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: 01 August 2025 - 31 July 2026
Hours: Averagely 5.3 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
Key Tasks
Research Activities
|
Phase
|
Tasks
|
Hours
|
|
1. Preparation
|
Ethics training, literature review, protocol development
|
10
|
|
2. Recruitment
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Identify/screen participants, schedule sessions, send consent forms (1 hour per participant or group)
|
40
|
|
3. Data Collection
|
• Conduct 30 1-hour interviews (virtual and in person)
• Facilitate 3 1-hour virtual focus groups
• 30 minutes of preparation for each interview & focus group
|
50
|
|
4. Data Processing
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Transcribe recordings, anonymise data, and organise files
|
100
|
|
5. Data Analysis
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Thematic coding, draft findings report, support framework development
|
60
|
|
6. Reporting
|
Attend team meetings, refine outputs, validation support
|
20
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
280
|
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.
Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methods.
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
Present research to the team and in appropriate articles for publication, such as academic/professional journals or conferences.
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
Develop own and/or joint research objectives, budgets, and project proposals with senior research staff which meet funding criteria and benefit the department.
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.
Attend Faculty, Department and Programme meetings/boards as appropriate to proactively contribute to decision making.
Introduce new starters to the area, giving training on basic skills and activities to assist their induction to the team.
Assist senior staff in the guidance and support of new research assistants or members of staff within the department as appropriate.
Supervise the work/projects of taught postgraduate and/or research students as required to support the development of students’ research skills.
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 a 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.