Research Associate (Qualitative)

The post-holder will collaborate with and support the work of the project lead across a variety of projects focusing on musculoskeletal health and wellbeing. They will assist with, and where necessary take the lead on, research data collection and analysis, as well as the dissemination of findings to relevant groups associated with the project. The post-holder will also contribute to the development of new areas within the field of health and wellbeing interventions.

You will be based within the Department of Health Professions in the Faculty of Health and Education at Manchester Metropolitan University, under the supervision of Professor Gillian Yeowell, Professor of Musculoskeletal Health and Wellbeing. You will work alongside colleagues from Manchester Metropolitan University and a variety of partners from the NHS, industry, and charitable organisations.

About the Role:
We are seeking to recruit a full-time Research Associate for a time-limited post until 31 January 2027. Employed and supported by an academic team from the University, you will work in a hybrid model—partly from Manchester Metropolitan University and partly from home—and will be required to travel across Greater Manchester as needed.

The post-holder will support the delivery of a range of projects in Musculoskeletal Health and Wellbeing. Key tasks will include:

• Reporting on the progress of research projects.
• Conducting qualitative and mixed methods research using appropriate research designs, including qualitative interviews, surveys, and desk-based literature reviews.
• Drafting research proposals, including ethics applications (University and NHS).
• Collecting and analysing research data, including qualitative data.
• Contributing to the production of research reports and publications.

About You:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive individual with experience in qualitative and mixed methods research, as well as literature reviews. You will possess strong communication skills and the ability to prioritise your workload to meet deadlines.

You should have experience in:

• Health and wellbeing intervention research.
• Behaviour change techniques.
• Data collection via one-to-one interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
• Qualitative data analysis, such as thematic analysis or framework analysis, and mixed-methods analysis.
• Conducting literature reviews, including scoping reviews, systematic reviews, and qualitative synthesis.
• Presenting and communicating complex information to various audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Actively contributing to the writing and publication of research papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• Prioritising and managing work independently and as part of a team to achieve individual and team objectives.
• Problem-solving using initiative to propose practical solutions.
• Writing research proposals and submitting ethics applications.

How to Apply:
If you would like to apply, please review the essential criteria in the job description and submit a CV that highlights your suitability for the role.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Gillian Yeowell at g.yeowell@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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