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 software development support to colleagues and support staff working a Research Accelerator Grant funded project by assisting, and where necessary taking the lead, with software development and testing, and the demonstration and sharing of progress to appropriate groups related to the project.
Support the development of new areas in the field of Human Computer Interaction.
Dates: 13 July 2026 - 14 August 2026
Hours: Up to 16
Location: Remote with weekly meetings at Dalton Building.
First Day Briefing: 11:00 - 12:00 on 6th July 2026, DB 3.26.
Key Tasks
Research Activities
Support the development of AI-powered functionality for a Google Chrome browser extension designed to improve web accessibility and usability for people with learning disabilities. Taking and agile approach to applied AI and software development using rapid prototyping, API integration, prompt engineering, model evaluation, and software engineering methods.
Implement and evaluate AI-driven accessibility adaptation features using APIs for existing models such as Gemini, Claude and Llama; features including text simplification, content summarisation, task guidance, conversational assistance, and webpage-specific question answering. Develop pipelines for webpage content extraction and processing, API communication, and integration with browser-based environments through browser extensions. Conduct technical testing, debugging, and performance evaluation of AI services to ensure reliability, efficiency, and suitability for real-time use.
Plan, prioritise and organise own work or resources in order to achieve agreed objectives.
Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methods.
Write up technical outputs, development progress, and testing results for presentation to the research team and relevant stakeholders.
Contribute to software documentation and academic publications where appropriate.
Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate your 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 conferencesParticipate 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.