Research Associate in Education

Manchester Metropolitan University Health & Education

Location: Manchester Birley Campus Contract Length: 2 years Contracted Hours per week: 35

Salary: Grade 7 ( 35,608 to 39,906)

About the Role

The School of Education is looking for a Research Associate to join an exciting programme of research exploring the future of sustainable school leadership.

Working with Professor Toby Greany and the wider research team, you will contribute to research examining how school leaders are responding to the changing demands being placed on schools, their staff, pupils and communities. The role will build on Professor Greany's recent ESRC-funded research into Sustainable School Leadership across the UK.

The research highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a significant turning point for schools, accelerating changes already underway while creating new challenges for school leaders. Alongside their focus on teaching, learning and educational improvement, leaders are increasingly required to respond to issues including inclusion, additional learning needs, mental health and wellbeing, safeguarding, behaviour and attendance.

This has raised important questions about the purpose of education, the role of school leaders and how schools can create environments where both educational improvement and care are supported.

About the role

As Research Associate, you will play an important role in extending our understanding of these issues. You will undertake a range of research activities, including:

Conducting literature reviews and engaging with relevant academic and policy research
Planning and carrying out qualitative and/or quantitative research
Undertaking interviews, focus groups and surveys with school leaders and other stakeholders
Analysing and interpreting research data
Preparing research reports, papers and other outputs
Presenting findings to academic and professional audiences
Contributing to academic publications, conferences and seminars
Developing research partnerships and networks within the UK and internationally
Working with the research team to develop proposals for future large-scale research and funding opportunities.

The project includes research across a selection of European countries, so there will also be opportunities for national and international travel and to develop your research networks beyond the UK.

You will have the opportunity to take responsibility for aspects of the research project, while working closely with Professor Greany and other senior colleagues. You may also have opportunities to support research assistants and students and contribute to teaching-related activities within the School of Education.

About you

We are looking for someone with a strong interest in school leadership, education policy and the changing role of schools.

You will have experience of undertaking research and be confident working with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods. You will be able to analyse complex information, identify key themes and communicate your findings clearly to different audiences.

You will ideally have experience of research relating to school leadership and policy, together with evidence of making an independent contribution to research projects and producing written research outputs.

You will also be able to demonstrate:

Experience of designing and undertaking research
The ability to synthesise complex information from different sources
Strong written and verbal communication skills
The ability to work independently, manage your own workload and meet deadlines
An ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team
A doctoral-level qualification, or evidence that you are currently working towards one.

Experience of developing partnerships, presenting research, contributing to funding proposals or supporting student research would also be welcomed.

Fluency in one or more European languages would be desirable.

How to apply

Please attach your CV and covering letter to the online portal.

Interviews will take place on the 28th of October.

M anchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

M anchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.

Details

Location: Manchester

Salary: 35,608 to 39,906 Grade 7

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 23rd September 2026

Closes: 14th October 2026

Job Ref: eArcu-9548