Research Assistant - Living Heritage Design Project

Support the development of new areas in the field of built heritage, with a specific focus on intangible cultural heritage (living heritage), critical heritage theory, historic environment design, conservation and adaptation, and the relationship between tangible and intangible heritage, including through digital heritage methods.

The post holder will work directly with the lead researcher, Dr Johnathan Djabarouti (Senior Lecturer, Manchester School of Architecture; co-Lead, Built Heritage Research Group, Faculty of Arts & Humanities), supporting work across funded research projects and contracted publications.

Research synthesis and preparation for publication

• Organise and synthesise existing research material that underpins forthcoming publications.
• Prepare structured summaries and background notes for case studies.
• Identify contemporary literature relevant to the key research themes: intangible cultural heritage and living heritage, critical heritage theory, historic environment design and policy, conservation and adaptation, the relationship between tangible and intangible heritage, and digital heritage methods.
• Provide general research support to the lead researcher while research outputs are drafted and prepared.

References, documentation and quality control

• Manage and organise references, bibliographic material and supporting documentation for publication.
• Proofread draft material and contribute to quality control, including checking the accuracy and consistency of text, citations and figures.

Images and permissions

• Help secure image permissions from rights holders, and track the status of each permission.
• Keep image logs up to date and prepare captions and credits to publisher requirements.

Primary research and data capture

• Help capture primary research data using digital tools, including terrestrial laser (LiDAR) scanning, GIS mapping and social network analysis (SNA).
• Prepare primary research materials where appropriate, and organise research data so that it is consistent, secure and retrievable.
• Follow the University's research ethics and data protection (GDPR) procedures in all research activity, including the handling of any participant data.

Undertake qualitative and spatial research on living heritage and its relationship to the historic built environment using literature and documentary review, archival research, case study analysis, digital survey (terrestrial laser scanning and point cloud processing), GIS mapping and social network analysis.

Operate specialist digital survey equipment, including a terrestrial laser scanner, with care and precision, following training and established protocols. Process and manage the resulting point cloud data, and use GIS and SNA software to capture, map and analyse spatial and relational data accurately.

Occasional fieldwork at heritage sites in Manchester that are open to the public or accessed by arrangement. The role involves no hazardous environments. All fieldwork will follow University risk assessment procedures and any site-specific guidance.

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

Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methods.

Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders.

Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.

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

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.

Essential

• Current Manchester Met student at postgraduate level, studying for a relevant MA/MSc or a PhD.
• Applicants from any relevant discipline are welcome (e.g. Architecture, Urbanism, History, Geography, Place Management, Cultural Studies). Selection will be based on experience and how well the application demonstrates the ability to do the role to a high standard, rather than departmental alignment.
• Ability to undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and/or field work.
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research.
• Proficiency in the use of relevant software packages such as Microsoft Office (particularly Word and Excel), a reference management tool (e.g. Mendeley), and image-editing or graphics software (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud or equivalent).
• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge to work within an established research team.
• Experience of data collection.
• Experience of presenting and communicating complex information to a range of audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Experience of prioritising work independently and as part of a team in order to deliver individual and team objectives.
• An understanding of the heritage sector and of built heritage as an academic field, including current debates in critical heritage studies.
• Experience of qualitative research methods, such as literature review, documentary or archival analysis, or case study research.
• Strong academic writing skills and high attention to detail, including proofreading and accurate referencing.
• Ability to work remotely and independently for sustained periods, managing own time around study commitments.
• An understanding of research ethics and responsible data handling.

Highly Desirable

• Knowledge of intangible cultural heritage (living heritage) and its relationship to tangible heritage and the historic built environment, including an understanding of relevant research methods and techniques in the area.
• Familiarity with historic environment design, heritage studies and sector, historic environment policy and practice.

• Experience of digital survey and spatial analysis, such as terrestrial laser scanning and point cloud processing, together with an interest in developing these skills further through the role.
• Experience of GIS (QGIS or ArcGIS), together with an interest in developing these skills further through the role.
• Experience of social network analysis or network visualisation software (e.g. Gephi).
• Experience of the academic or professional publishing process, including image permissions, copyright and preparing manuscripts.