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 undertake research in the field of 'Decarbonising Heritage' by preparing, conducting, and recording the outcome of experiments and/or fieldwork.
To work closely with senior research stuff to analyse and disseminate research findings through relevant journals, conferences, and seminars, in order to further the institution standing in the Higher Education and research community and contribute to the development of new areas in the field of carbon reduction.
Take responsibility for the management of discrete projects as directed by the project coordinator.
Dates: week commencing 2 November - week commencing 23 November 2026, but with the exact start/end to be agreed with the successful applicant
Hours: Up to 8 hours per week
Location: Remote
Key Tasks
Research Activities
Support the development of new knowledge in the field of Bio Fuel operationalisation (how the heritage sector can change and adapt), by taking the lead, with research data collection via online survey and analysis, collation of results and the dissemination of findings to appropriate groups related to the project. Supervised research into available data then the design, and facilitation of a bespoke online survey using 'Qualtrics' - targeted at the heritage rail sector. Note that we have excellent contacts with the 'Heritage Railway Association' - which represents 130 Heritage railways across the UK. Appropriate collation of 'Qualtrics' data and results then supervised contribution to the generation of a first draft report.
Plan and prioritise own day to day work and resources to achieve agreed research objectives, leading the work of small teams of research assistant and/or research students as required.
Undertake quality research and detailed analysis, and present findings to appropriate internal and external groups, such as research forums, or seminars, as required.
Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders.
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
Contribute to the dissemination of research findings through journals, conferences and seminars, in order to further the institution’s standing in the HE and research community.
Participate in the development of internal and external partnerships and networks in order to disseminate information, share best practice, generate income, establish opportunities for collaborative work, and to enhance the reputation of the University.
Work with partners and external agencies on collaborative projects that benefit both the department and the Faculty.
Teaching Support
Supervise the work/projects of Taught postgraduate and/or research students as required and provide training on techniques appropriate to the role.
Contribute to Teaching support via demonstration of practical methods or operation equipment to undergraduate, masters and/or research students as appropriate.
Service Provision
Keep relevant stakeholders updated on progress, and be responsible for exploring their needs, and acting on feedback, in order to ensure that research delivers against their requirements.
Collaborate with senior academic staff to organise, manage and carry out appropriate research.
Respond to enquiries and requests for information from potential students, academic staff from other HE institutions, and relevant stakeholders, when required.
Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld.
Team Working
Actively participate as a member of the research team, providing mutual support to colleagues to achieve successful completion of project.
Attend faculty, department, and program meetings/boards as appropriate and 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.
Guide and support research assistance and other members of staff within the department in areas of expertise e.g. undertaking research and writing up papers for publication
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.