Research Assistant: DoWell Research Group Social Media & Reporting Project

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 DoWell Research Group Social Media & Reporting Project by assisting with research data collection, and the dissemination of findings to appropriate research groups and contacts related to the project.

Support the development of new areas in the field of design research, health, and wellbeing communication.

Dates: Approx. 10 weeks' work (preferred start and end dates to be agreed with the successful applicant), expected to start in early June 2026
Hours: 4 hours per week
Location: Manchester School of Art (hybrid/flexible)

Key Tasks

Project-Specific Duties

Maintain and update the DoWell Research Group webpages, including adding new content and liaising with contributors.

Plan and produce social media content aligned with Manchester School of Art communications.

Attend selected lectures/events to capture and produce engaging content (images, summaries, highlights).

Develop a concise, visually clear public-facing report showcasing research outputs, projects, and impact.

Use specialist digital tools and platforms including website content management systems, social media scheduling tools, and visual design software to produce high-quality outputs.

Plan and prioritise own work and resources within the research project framework to determine the most effective way to achieve agreed objectives and deadlines.

Write up results of project research and prepare outputs for presentation to the research team and relevant stakeholders, including a clear, visually engaging public-facing report.

Service Provision

Proactively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld across all digital and written outputs.

Team Working

Actively participate as a member of the research team

Attend relevant project meetings to contribute to communication planning and decision making.

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.

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.

Person Specification

This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the criteria below:

Essential

• Current Manchester Met postgraduate researcher (or relevant postgraduate student).
• Ability to support research activities, including gathering, analysing, and reporting information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and/or CMS platforms).
• Experience of data collection and content development.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and manage workload effectively.
• Experience of digital communications or social media content creation.

Desirable

• Interest or knowledge in design research, health, or wellbeing.
• Experience of report writing, publication design, or visual communication.
• Familiarity with university communications or event/content capture.