Research Associate (Qualitative Research)

The Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the largest in the UK; with 85 members of staff and over 1,500 students across all levels. We deliver undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy.

The Department is both teaching- and research-intensive, with a strong focus on applied, empirical social science. Our success in achieving above sector student satisfaction demonstrates our commitment to excellent, student-centred learning.

The department is home to several research centres, including the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit, the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies, and the Drugs Policy and Social Change unit. We are also nationally recognised for our innovative approach to quantitative methods and data literacy via our Q-Step Centre. In the REF21 we were rated top 15 for research power in both UoA20 and UoA21; our research is impactful, interdisciplinary and socially engaged. This role will be based in the Policy, Evaluation and Research Unit.

The Role
The department is looking to appoint a Research Associate (Grade 7) to deliver the qualitative research field work for the Universal Credit, Good Work and Progression research project. This project will look at the effect of Universal Credit on the quality of work and earnings of claimants. The postholder will carry out qualitative research in the form of one-to-one interviews and focus groups with relevant stakeholders.

The Policy Evaluation and Research Unit is a highly successful multi-disciplinary team of evaluators, economists, sociologists and criminologists. Established for over 15 years it has created a strong national and international reputation for evaluation and applied research.

About you
You will have excellent qualitative research skills, with experience of working on projects in a relevant field. You will also have a strong knowledge of social policy and of the tax and benefit system, particularly Universal Credit. You will be able to demonstrate a track record of project management and effective communication with a range of stakeholders and collaborators.

Essential Skills:

• Excellent qualitative research skills.
• Knowledge of the tax and benefit system, particularly Universal Credit.
• Understanding of social policy, particularly Work and Pensions.
• Proficiency in the use of qualitative data analysis software, such as NVivo.
• Ability to lead discrete areas of project work, co-ordinating effort and resources.
• Ability to build relationships and establish networks with internal and external contacts.
• A doctoral level qualification, or undertaking and working towards a doctoral level qualification in a relevant field.

Further information
Please see Universal Credit, good work and progression - Nuffield Foundation for more information.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Ashwin Kumar (a.kumar@mmu.ac.uk).

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

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