Research Assistant in Manchester

Research Assistant in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 13 - 16 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
Manchester Metropolitan University

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in groundbreaking research on sustainability in the UK fashion industry.
  • Company: Join Manchester Metropolitan University and be part of a vibrant academic community.
  • Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop skills, and network with industry professionals.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the circular fashion ecosystem while enhancing your research skills.
  • Qualifications: Must be a current Manchester Met student with a passion for sustainability.
  • Other info: Engage with local communities and contribute to meaningful change in fashion.

The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.

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 primary purpose of this role is to assist colleagues and support staff in the project Orchestrating Sustainability: Examining the Emergence of the Circular Fashion Ecosystem in the UK. You will support qualitative coding of data using NVivo and contribute to the dissemination of findings to relevant research groups and stakeholders. This role contributes to exploring the growing trend of sustainability in the UK fashion industry through circular economy principles.

Research Activities

  • Assist in conducting literature reviews and database searches using standard methods, supporting the investigators in reviewing the literature using recent technologies.
  • Help in the collection and analysis of qualitative data, particularly through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.
  • Use qualitative analysis software (NVivo) to help analyse interview data. Additionally, there will be qualitative content analysis tasks using Ms Excel and using Ivory Mind (previously Coral AI) to generate a large database and assess as per qualitative and quantitative content analysis.
  • Support the creation and maintenance of the project website and updates.
  • Assist in organizing interviews, workshops, and events with circular fashion stakeholders.
  • Ensure confidentiality and appropriate anonymization of data.
  • Attend industry events, workshops, and other gatherings related to circular fashion ecosystems to assist with data collection, interview coordination, and note-taking. Be prepared to briefly introduce the project to stakeholders and participants.
  • Support the organization of multi-stakeholder impact workshops.
  • Assist in drafting research reports and contributing to academic publications.

Liaison and Networking

  • Engage with circular fashion communities and organizations, collaborating to ensure effective communication and engagement.
  • Network with stakeholders under the guidance of the investigators.

Service Provision

  • Engage proactively with quality assurance procedures and ethics protocols, particularly regarding data collection, anonymization, and confidentiality.
  • Collaborate with academic investigators to support the project's research activities and contribute to future project development.

Teamwork

  • Actively contribute to the research team and the broader academic community within the Department of Strategy Enterprise Sustainability (SES).

Other Duties

  • Adhere to health and safety policies, and apply the University's Equal Opportunities Policy.
  • Promote environmental sustainability practices within the project and University.
  • Carry out additional relevant duties, in agreement with the project managers and investigators.

This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the criteria below:

Essential

  • Currently enrolled in or have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Sustainability, Sustainability Management, Environmental Sciences, Business Studies, Fashion or Sustainable Fashion with a sustainability focus, or related fields.
  • Ability to assist in research activities, including preparing for, conducting, and recording fieldwork, podcasts, and interviews.
  • Willingness to learn and use relevant software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti, Microsoft Office Suite) for data analysis.
  • Sufficient knowledge of sustainability practices, particularly in the fashion industry, to contribute to an established research team.
  • Experience prioritizing tasks independently and as part of a team to meet both individual and group objectives.
  • Demonstrated interest in sustainable development, circular economy, and sustainable business practices.
  • Demonstrated interest in circular practices, such as reuse, repair, and recycling, within the fashion and textile industries.
  • Willingness to engage with local and regional circular fashion communities and a passion for true sustainability and circularity.

Desirable

  • Prior experience in research projects or roles.
  • Willingness to support the project over an extended period.

Research Assistant in Manchester employer: Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer for students seeking meaningful research experience in sustainability and circular fashion. With a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the university fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages personal and professional growth. As a Research Assistant, you will have the unique opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders, contribute to impactful research, and develop valuable skills in qualitative analysis and project management, all while being part of a vibrant academic community in the heart of Manchester.
Manchester Metropolitan University

Contact Detail:

Manchester Metropolitan University Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the project inside out! Familiarise yourself with the circular fashion ecosystem and sustainability trends in the UK. This will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and gatherings related to circular fashion. Engaging with stakeholders can give you insights and connections that might just land you the job.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! If you've got experience with NVivo or any qualitative analysis software, make sure to highlight that. Even if you're still learning, express your eagerness to master these tools.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the exciting research on sustainability.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Manchester

Qualitative Data Analysis
NVivo
Thematic Analysis
Microsoft Excel
Database Management
Interview Coordination
Literature Review
Communication Skills
Networking
Sustainability Knowledge
Circular Economy Principles
Team Collaboration
Research Report Writing
Ethics Protocols

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in sustainability, qualitative research, and any software skills like NVivo. We want to see how you fit into our project on circular fashion!

Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for sustainability and circular economy principles shine through in your application. Share any personal projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these values. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about the field!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in sustainability and circular fashion. Familiarise yourself with key concepts and recent developments in the UK fashion industry. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Get Hands-On with NVivo

Since you'll be using NVivo for qualitative data analysis, it’s a good idea to get some practice in before the interview. If you can, try out a few tutorials or sample projects. Being able to discuss your experience with the software will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your readiness for the role.

✨Prepare for Interviews and Workshops

Think about how you would organise and conduct interviews or workshops related to circular fashion. Prepare some ideas on how to engage stakeholders effectively. This shows that you’re proactive and ready to contribute to the project right from the start.

✨Show Your Team Spirit

This role involves teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to work independently as well, but emphasise your enthusiasm for contributing to a team environment, especially within the academic community.

Research Assistant in Manchester
Manchester Metropolitan University
Location: Manchester

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