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 for a project being undertaken in the BioGeomorphology Lab. The project is investigating the ways in which sediment transport interacts with boulders to drive the erosion of bedrock in rivers. The job is to assist with research data collection and analysis, and to support the development of new areas in the field of Geomorphology.
Dates: from 6 October 2025 to 31 October 2025 (4 weeks)
Hours: 16 hours (2 days) per week, flexible timing, most likely across Monday to Wednesday
Location: BioGeomorphology (BiG) Lab, Dalton Building
Key Tasks
Research Activities
Supporting research staff to run flume experiments to study how sediment transport interacts with boulders to drive the erosion of bedrock in rivers.
Undertake geomorphological research using a modern experimental flume.
The work does not require any previous training in the use of the flume equipment - training will be provided in using the flume and attendant instruments or equipment.
The work is labour intensive and physically demanding, involving handling wet gravel, which needs to be carried in buckets around the lab, cleared from a sediment trap in the flume (which involves kneeling at floor level), laid out to dry on special racks, and introduced to the sediment feeding system on the flume (which involves carrying buckets up steps and lifting them into a hopper). Appropriate health and safety training for handling the gravel will be provided. Alongside the physical requirements, the lab experiments require precision, care and a systematic, measured approach.
There are no hazardous materials involved but sturdy working footwear is required (and can be provided) along with overalls or a lab coat to protect clothes from dirt and water.
Plan and prioritise own work and resources, within research project framework, in order to determine the most effective way to achieve agreed research objectives.
Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methods.
Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team.
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
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 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.