Research Associate (Manchester Games Centre)

Research Associate (Manchester Games Centre)

Manchester Temporary 40000 - 47000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join the Manchester Games Centre to conduct impactful research on games and sustainability.
  • Company: Manchester Metropolitan University, a hub for innovation and creativity in the heart of Manchester.
  • Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, professional development, and a vibrant community of scholars.
  • Other info: 12-month temporary position with opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in the games industry while collaborating with international partners.
  • Qualifications: Passion for games research and strong collaborative skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 47000 £ per year.

Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to join the Manchester Games Centre and contribute to the STRATEGIES project, a UKRI–Horizon Europe funded initiative supporting Europe’s games industries in realising their potential as drivers of sustainable innovation. The STRATEGIES project brings together international partners to explore how the games sector can contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal and help build an economy that works for people.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering research activities, collaborating with project partners, and contributing to the project’s impact across the European games ecosystem. Alongside their work on STRATEGIES, the post holder will become a member of the Manchester Games Centre and contribute to its vibrant programme of research, knowledge exchange, and public engagement activities. This is a 12‑month backfill post based on temporary funding.

The Manchester Games Centre is an internationally recognised research group dedicated to the study of games, play, and interactive media. Bringing together researchers from across disciplines, the Centre explores the cultural, social, educational, and economic impact of games and gaming technologies. As a member of the Centre, the successful candidate will join a thriving community of scholars engaged in innovative and impactful research.

The School of English at Manchester Metropolitan University is a vibrant, inclusive, and research‑active community recognised for its impact on culture, creativity, and communication. Located in a city renowned for innovation and creativity, the School brings together expert practitioners, award‑winning writers, and internationally recognised researchers to create a dynamic environment for both students and staff.

Based on the University’s Oxford Road campus, the School benefits from outstanding facilities, including purpose‑built TV and radio studios, a language resource centre, a 180‑seat theatre, and the Manchester Poetry Library—the North West’s first public poetry library. These facilities support interdisciplinary collaboration across literature, creative writing, games, linguistics, media, journalism, performance, and publishing.

As part of Manchester, a UNESCO City of Literature, the School is embedded within a thriving cultural and creative ecosystem, offering extensive opportunities for collaboration with cultural organisations, festivals, heritage initiatives, performance venues, and industry partners. The School’s research is ranked among the best in the UK, with world‑leading impact in English language and literature. It is home to specialist centres including the Manchester Games Centre, the Manchester Writing School—one of the largest and most successful writing schools globally—and the Manchester School of Theatre.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher with expertise relevant to games research, digital culture, innovation, sustainability, creative industries, or related fields. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent research skills, the ability to work collaboratively within an international project team, and a commitment to producing high‑quality, impactful research.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes supporting a range of flexible working arrangements, mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support under‑represented groups. Manchester 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. Manchester 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.

Research Associate (Manchester Games Centre) employer: The Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Metropolitan University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the dynamic Manchester Games Centre. Employees benefit from outstanding facilities, extensive professional development opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity, making it an ideal environment for researchers passionate about games and digital culture. The university's strong ties to the cultural and creative ecosystem of Manchester provide unique advantages for impactful research and community engagement.

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Contact Details:

The Manchester Metropolitan University Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Manchester Games Centre)

Leverage University Connections

If you're still at uni or have recently graduated, tap into your university's career services and research departments. They often have leads on temporary research roles, internships, or projects that haven’t been widely advertised yet!

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Apply through Our Website!

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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Manchester Games Centre)

Research Skills
Collaboration
Knowledge Exchange
Impact Assessment
Sustainability Expertise
Digital Culture Understanding
Creative Industries Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Research Skills:For a temporary role in scientific research, it’s key to highlight your hands-on experience and skills. Use your CV to detail any relevant projects or experiments you’ve worked on, showcasing your problem-solving abilities and techniques you've mastered. Don’t forget to mention any lab techniques or tools that you’re familiar with – this can really set you apart!

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Academic Credentials Matter:Make sure your academic background shines through, especially any relevant degrees, certifications, or publications. If you’ve been involved in conducting research, definitely bring that up! It’s important to demonstrate your theoretical foundations and any formal recognitions you've received in the scientific field.

Include References from Previous Researchers:Having strong references can make all the difference in a temporary role in scientific research. If you can, include references from previous supervisors or professors who can vouch for your research capabilities and work ethic. This adds credibility to your application and gives The Manchester Metropolitan University assurance of your skills and professional behaviour.

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Understand the Research Landscape

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