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 McrMet ECHO: Empowering Community and Health Outreach, the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) initiative in Sport and Exercise Sciences. The post holder will assist with primarily qualitative research data collection and analysis and support the dissemination of findings to appropriate research groups, community partners and stakeholders associated with the programme.
The role will also support the development of new activity in the field of public involvement, community engagement and participatory research within sport, exercise and health sciences.
Dates: 13 April 2026 – 13 July 2026
Hours: up to 16 hours per week
Location: Based at Institute of Sport, but with campus and remote working.
Key Tasks
Research Activities
- Support the planning and delivery of public involvement and community engagement activities across projects aligned with McrMet ECHO.
- Undertake research using mixed methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups and community workshops.
- Assist with the recruitment of participants and public contributors through the preparation and distribution of study information, engagement materials and digital communications.
- Support the organisation and delivery of public engagement events, community workshops and co production sessions with local organisations, community members and public contributors.
- Use standard research and administrative software such as Microsoft Office and online survey platforms to support data collection, organisation and basic analysis. Training will be provided where necessary.
- Work may occasionally take place in community or outreach settings. All activities will follow University guidance on safeguarding, lone working and risk assessment.
- Plan and prioritise your own work within the research project framework in order to meet agreed objectives and deadlines.
- Conduct literature and database searches using standard academic search tools.
- Write up summaries of research findings suitable for both academic and non academic audiences, including plain language summaries for community partners.
- Contribute to the preparation of research reports, presentations and academic publications arising from McrMet ECHO activity.
- Use initiative and judgement to support the development of effective approaches to public involvement and to help resolve practical challenges related to engagement, recruitment or project delivery.
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.
- 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 in the supervision of taught postgraduate and/or research students, as required, to support the development 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.