At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research in History and Philosophy of Science within a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Manchester Metropolitan University, a hub for innovative research and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, travel loans, wellbeing support, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional growth and networking with leading experts.
- Why this job: Make a difference in fertility control while advancing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Doctoral qualification in relevant fields and strong research skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 33002 £ per year.
Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking to recruit an outstanding Post-doctoral Research Associate to join the Wellcome Trust-funded project ‘Contragestive Time: Pregnant Uncertainties in Fertility Control'. The project brings together a team of 12 clinicians, social scientists, lawyers, philosophers, humanities scholars and advocates to rethink concepts of early pregnancy and reproductive timing, challenge outdated legal and regulatory frameworks, test the feasibility of new clinical services, and engage with the public and policymakers to shape a more inclusive future for fertility control.
About the Role: The Research Associate's work will lie primarily within one Work Package of ‘Contragestive Time', focussing on ‘boundary work' in very early pregnancy, tracing the development of the historical, biomedical, legal, and philosophical contexts that have shaped and constrained contragestive time and technologies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Undertake high-quality, potentially high-impact academic research in one or more of the fields of History and/or Philosophy of Science or History and/or Philosophy of Medicine as a contribution to the Research Project ‘Contragestive Time: Pregnant Uncertainties in Fertility Control'.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team in furthering the overall aims of the Research Project.
- Attend Team meetings, both in person and online.
- Publish and disseminate research findings relevant to the Research Project through relevant journals, conferences, seminars and public engagement events.
- Participate in and contribute to the organisation of workshops, conferences, seminars and reading groups.
Qualifications:
- Has a doctoral level qualification in a relevant area; for example, History and/or Philosophy of Science, Philosophy, Science & Technology Studies, Anthropology.
- Has specialist knowledge in one or more of the fields of History and/or Philosophy of Science or History and/or Philosophy of Medicine.
- Has the ability to undertake original and potentially high-impact research, both singly and as part of a research team, co-ordinating effort and resources.
- Has the ability to build relationships and establish networks with internal and external contacts.
- Has effective oral and written communication skills, to write up research findings in a range of formats for both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Application Process: To apply: Please apply via our application portal. Please submit your CV and a Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages outlining i) how you meet the essential requirements as set out in the job specification; and ii) how you envisage you could contribute to the relevant work package of the ‘Contragestive Time' project. Only applications with cover letters will be considered at shortlisting. For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Stella Sandford – s.sandford@mmu.ac.uk. Deadline for applications: Friday 10 July 2026. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
Benefits:
- 25 days leave + Christmas closure + Bank holidays (Extra 5 days after 5 years of service)
- Travel loan
- Wellbeing platform
- Life insurance
- Access to Campus Facilities
- Enhanced parental leave
- High-quality guaranteed pension
- Hybrid working opportunities
Location & Salary:
- Location: Manchester All Saints Campus
- Faculty / Function: Arts & Humanities
- Salary: Grade 6 (£33,002)
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract Length: 3 years ending 31/08/2029
- Contracted Hours per week: 35
Contact: Meet the recruiter Michelle Legg M.Legg@mmu.ac.uk
Senior Research Assistant (History and/or Philosophy of Science) at Manchester Metropolitan Uni[...] employer: Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the fields of History and Philosophy of Science. With a commitment to employee growth, the university provides ample opportunities for career advancement, alongside generous benefits such as enhanced parental leave, a wellbeing platform, and access to campus facilities. Located in the heart of Manchester, employees enjoy a dynamic urban environment that supports both professional and personal development.
Contact Details:
Manchester Metropolitan University Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Assistant (History and/or Philosophy of Science) at Manchester Metropolitan Uni[...]
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Manchester Metropolitan University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Manchester Metropolitan University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Assistant (History and/or Philosophy of Science) at Manchester Metropolitan Uni[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Manchester Metropolitan University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Manchester Metropolitan University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Metropolitan University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Manchester Metropolitan University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Manchester Metropolitan University to drive research projects forward.
