Senior Research Assistant (G6) or Research Associate (G7)

We are looking for a Senior Research Assistant (Grade 6) or Research Associate (Grade 7) to work on a 19-month British Academy funded project (ODA International Interdisciplinary Research Projects scheme). You will be part of an interdisciplinary and international research team working with the Principal Investigator (PI) at MMU and collaborating with and supporting researchers at the University of Greenwich and our international partners in Malaysia. Working closely with senior research staff on data collection and analysis, and the dissemination of research findings, your work will further the institution's standing in the research community and contribute to a pivotal study on the creative industries in the George Town UNESCO World Heritage site, Malaysia, focusing on heritage-embedded innovations, sectorial policy, and the local innovation ecosystem.

The project, titled "Penang Living Lab for Advancing the Creative Economy (PLLACE)," aims to support the successes and growth of Penang's creative sector, a concentrated cluster in the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia. This project aims to systematically identify skill deficiencies among entrepreneurs operating in Malaysia's creative sector. Once skill gaps are identified, PLLACE intends to develop and provide targeted training programmes tailored to address these deficiencies. Moreover, PLLACE aims to study the success cases of heritage-embedded innovation and the entrepreneurs' journey to understand the motivations, challenges, resources, and capabilities deployed. Through Living Labs, PLLACE creates opportunities for heritage creative industry entrepreneurs to co-create products and services with their customers and test their market. Finally, PLLACE aims to produce a policy brief depicting vital aspects of the creative industries policy framework and scenarios, specifically tailored to the sector's needs in Penang, Malaysia. The recommendations are intended to support and promote creative businesses' innovation, growth, and success.

Whilst some work can be completed from home, the candidate must be prepared to undertake some in person meetings with the PI as an when needed. The post requires the ability to travel to Malaysia approximately twice per year. A strong foundation of the project is close collaboration with our international partners in Malaysia as well as our collaborators at the University of Greenwich.

You can read more about the project and the research associate role in the attached job description and person specification.

To apply, please complete the application form and attach a CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification and how you can bring your skills, experience and expertise to help achieve the aim and objectives of the project.

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm on 12th August 2024. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Interviews will be held on 22nd and 23rd August 2024.

The successful candidate is expected to commence the position on 2 September 2024. While this is the preferred start date, there is some flexibility for negotiation. However, an earlier start date is highly desirable.

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