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- Tasks: Support the innovative MORE project in transforming scholarly communication and enhancing metadata standards.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester Library, a leader in Open Research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic pension scheme, health services, generous leave, and discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking initiative shaping the future of AI-ready research.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for learning about Open Research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you interested in Open Research, metadata, and building the future of AI-ready scholarly communication? We’re looking for an enthusiastic and highly organised Open Research Specialist to join the University of Manchester Library on a fixed term basis to play a key role in the development and delivery of our innovative MORE project. This role provides vital administrative and operational support for MORE (Manchester Open Research Environment) – a major new initiative that will position Manchester as a leader in AI-ready scholarly communication. MORE focuses on transforming Author Accepted Manuscripts (AAMs) into rich, structured, machine-readable JATS XML, and on developing enhanced metadata standards that improve discovery, interoperability, and long-term preservation.
Responsibilities
- Support the operational roll‑out of a prototype MORE service offer, working closely with Open Research Librarians and project partners across the N8.
- Contribute to the development of enhanced metadata standards, collaborating with Library metadata specialists to capture high-quality, machine-readable metadata, provenance information, and relationships between research assets.
- Provide administrative support for MORE, including documentation, workflows, communications, and engagement activities.
- Support enquiries from researchers and research administrators and help promote Open Research services across the University.
- Develop knowledge and expertise in Open Research practices, scholarly communication workflows, and AI-ready metadata.
- Contribute to training materials and participate in delivery as required.
- Work collaboratively across teams to ensure the Library’s Open Research support services are well-communicated, well-managed, and aligned with institutional priorities.
About MORE
MORE will establish Manchester as a national leader in open, standards-based scholarly communication. By creating institutional alternatives to publisher owned infrastructure, MORE strengthens the sustainability of Green Open Access and gives the University greater control over how research outputs are shaped, disseminated, and analysed. The project will:
- Develop workflows to convert AAMs into JATS XML enriched with structured metadata.
- Ensure outputs are machine-readable, interoperable, and suitable for downstream computational use.
- Build a collaborative, standards-driven model in partnership with N8 institutions.
- Support the University’s long-term strategic commitment to open, transparent, and AI-enabled research.
Who We’re Looking For
You will be a motivated and detail-oriented individual with:
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work proactively and meet deadlines.
- Strong communication skills – written, oral, and interpersonal.
- Confidence using digital tools and learning new systems.
- The ability to use your initiative to solve day-to-day problems and support service improvement.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to providing an excellent, researcher-focused service.
Experience with metadata, Open Research, or project support is beneficial but not essential – we welcome applicants who are eager to learn.
Why join us?
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking project that will shape the future of Open Research at Manchester and beyond. You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, with opportunities for professional development and involvement in sector-leading innovation.
Benefits
- Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Our university is positive about flexible working.
Open Research Specialist in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Open Research Specialist in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Open Research Manager and the librarians you'll be meeting. Understanding their roles and how they fit into the MORE project can help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your organisational skills! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've managed projects or tasks in the past. Highlighting your time-management abilities will resonate well with the team looking for someone detail-oriented.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss Open Research! Brush up on current trends and practices in Open Research and metadata. This will not only demonstrate your enthusiasm but also your commitment to contributing to the innovative MORE project.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the MORE project and the team's goals. This shows you're engaged and eager to be part of the collaborative environment at the University of Manchester.
We think you need these skills to ace Open Research Specialist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for Open Research and AI-ready scholarly communication shine through. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to the MORE project.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We’re looking for detail-oriented individuals, so be specific about how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate strong communication skills, so make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Open Research
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Open Research practices and the MORE project. Familiarise yourself with how Author Accepted Manuscripts are transformed into JATS XML and the importance of enhanced metadata standards. This will show your enthusiasm and understanding of the role.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires excellent organisational and time-management skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects or tasks. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise your workload and meet deadlines.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interview panel about their work and the project, showing your interest in collaboration.
✨Demonstrate Your Initiative
Think of instances where you've used your initiative to solve problems or improve services. Be prepared to share these examples during the interview, as it aligns perfectly with the role's requirement for proactive support and service improvement.