The main purpose of this role is to provide research support to colleagues and support staff for the Co-development Of A Person-centred Physical Activity Intervention For (and By) Individuals With LUPUS (PPAI-LUPUS) project by assisting, and where necessary taking the lead, in research data collection and analysis, as well as the dissemination of findings to relevant groups associated with the project.
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We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support an externally funded project aimed at co-developing a physical activity intervention for individuals with Lupus. The project involves analysing data from a survey and organizing an in-person and an online workshop with patients with lupus.
The ideal candidate will be a current Master's or PhD student in a relevant field (e.g., public health, psychology, exercise science, or a related discipline) with great communication skills. The successful candidate will play a key role in analysing the survey and leading the workshop with patients.
The candidate will work closely with a team of researchers, including exercise scientists, behaviour change experts, and quantitative and qualitative researchers, who will provide guidance and support.
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Dates: 29/09/2025 - 12/12/2025 (11 weeks)
Hours: 8 hours per week
Location: Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University
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Key Tasks
- Lead the analysis of the patient survey.
- Support the organization and facilitation of an in-person workshop with Lupus patients.
- Support the organization and facilitation of an online workshop with Lupus patients.
- Conduct qualitative research, including interviews and thematic analysis.
- 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.
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.