Senior Research Associate

The Institute for Children's Futures

The Institute for Children's Futures (ICF) at Manchester Metropolitan University is a dynamic hub connecting researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to build a strong, collaborative foundation for shaping better futures for children. Through interdisciplinary research and partnerships, the ICF supports evidence-informed policy and practice, and explores the key trends influencing children's lives.

We are now seeking an enthusiastic and ambitious Senior Research Associate to join the ICF as it launches its first major research initiatives. If your academic expertise lies in the field of children and young people at a postdoctoral level—and you're passionate about making a tangible difference through research and evaluation—this is an exciting opportunity to help drive real change. The role is full-time and offered on a two-year fixed-term basis.

About the Role

As a Senior Research Associate, you'll play a central role in delivering high-impact research, evaluation, and reporting across ICF's priority workstreams:

• Internationalisation
• Voices and Participation of Children and Young People

What Makes a Child-Friendly City/Region?

You'll work closely with the ICF's Co-Directors, Founding Director, four Faculty Leads, and an extensive network of University colleagues and external partners. This role is both collaborative and strategic—supporting cross-faculty research and contributing to policy and practice that impacts children locally, nationally, and internationally.

This is a unique opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to make meaningful contributions at a pivotal stage in the Institute's development.

About You

We're looking for someone who has:

• A PhD focused on children and young people
• Proven experience in evaluating research programmes
• A collaborative mindset, ideally with experience working across disciplines and with multi-agency teams
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to represent the ICF in a range of professional settings

You should be ready to engage with colleagues across the University and with stakeholders from government, charities, commercial sectors, and global organisations such as the United Nations.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a two-page expression of interest through our recruitment portal. Your statement should outline:

• How you meet the person specification
• Your motivation for applying
• The unique contributions you would bring to the role
• Your research priorities over the next two years

For further details or to arrange an informal conversation with one of the ICF's Co-Directors, please contact us at icf@mmu.ac.uk.

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 local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.  

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.  

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.