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 Manchester School of Architecture is seeking a motivated and inquisitive Student Research Assistant to support the research project When Does an Analogy Become a Model? Mapping Analogical Models in Architectural Theory.
Architectural theory has often drawn upon ideas from other disciplines to explain and understand the built environment. As a result, buildings and cities have been described using concepts such as organisms, machines, languages and systems. However, it is not always clear when these comparisons remain rhetorical devices and when they become more structured tools for generating knowledge and understanding.
This project explores the question: When does an analogy become a model? Through the development of a methodological framework, the research aims to identify and analyse analogical models within architectural theory. A pilot study will investigate how selected analogies are organised, the types of reasoning they enable, the assumptions that underpin them, and the limitations of these relationships.
Working closely with the project lead, the successful candidate will contribute to the literature review, organisation of research materials, development of an analytical framework, and creation of a pilot mapping exercise.
This role would be particularly suited to students with an interest in architectural and design theory, cybernetics, philosophy of science, research methods, and the study of models, metaphors and analogical reasoning.
Dates: Early October 2026 to Early October 2027
Hours: 6 hours per week (300 hours across the duration of the project). Working hours may vary in line with project activity.
Location: Manchester Technology Centre
The Student Research Assistant will support a range of research activities, including:
- Conducting targeted searches for relevant academic literature.
- Reviewing and analysing selected sources in relation to the project's research questions.
- Identifying, documenting and categorising analogical models within architectural theory.
- Assisting in the development and testing of a coding and analytical framework.
- Comparing the use and function of recurring analogies across case studies.
- Contributing to the preparation of visual maps and research outputs.
- Supporting the planning, delivery and documentation of research workshops and focus groups.
The balance of responsibilities may evolve as the project develops and will be agreed with the successful candidate.