Research Assistant - Intergenerational Participation in Junior Parkrun

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role. The main purpose of this role is to provide research support to colleagues on the Intergenerational Participation in Junior Parkrun project by assisting, and where necessary taking the lead, with research data collection and analysis, and the dissemination of findings to appropriate groups related to the project. Junior parkrun is a weekly community 2km event, for children aged 4-14 years. We are interested in finding our more about the diverse ways in which children and adults participate in junior parkrun including: walking; running; wheeling; spectating or as a marshal. Dates: 25 November 2024 - 26 May 2025. Hours: 3.5 hours per week Location: Hybrid Key Tasks Research Activities Undertake creative qualitative research using a 'palette of methods' approach where participants aged 4-14 and an adult who take part in junior parkrun with them opt into either: intergenerational interview; diary method; or drawing elicitation interview. Plan, prioritise and organise own work or resources, in order to achieve agreed objectives. Conduct literature searches using standard techniques and methods. Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications. Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines. Liaison and Networking Present research to the team and in appropriate articles for publication, such as academic/professional journals or conferences. Participate in internal and external partnerships and networks in order to aid the dissemination of research findings, to share best practice, and to enhance the reputation of the University. Service Provision Develop own and/or joint research objectives, budgets, and project proposals with senior research staff which meet funding criteria and benefit the department. Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld. Collaborate with academic colleagues on research development and future direction. Team Working Actively participate as a member of the research team. Attend Faculty, Department and Programme meetings/boards as appropriate to proactively contribute to decision making. Introduce new starters to the area, giving training on basic skills and activities to assist their induction to the team. Assist senior staff in the guidance and support of new research assistants or members of staff within the department as appropriate. Miscellaneous You have a legal duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that you do not endanger yourself or anyone else by your acts or omissions. In addition, you must cooperate with the University on health and safety matters and must not interfere or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes. You are responsible for applying the University's Equal Opportunities Policy in your own area of responsibility and in your general conduct. You have a responsibility to promote high levels of customer care within your own areas of work. Such other relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with you. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld. You have the responsibility to engage with the University's commitment to Environmental Sustainability in order to reduce its waste, energy consumption and carbon footprint. You have the responsibility to engage with the University's commitment to delivering value for money services that optimise the use of resources and therefore should consider this when undertaking all duties and aspects of your role.

This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the criteria below: Essential

• Studying for, or holding a post graduate degree, equivalent qualification or substantial relevant experience, and evidence of continuous professional development in Social Sciences or Humanities, which may include but is not limited to: Childhood and Youth Studies; Education; Human Geography; Active Travel; Sociology.
• Ability to undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of field work.
• Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research and scholarly activities.
• Proficiency in the use of relevant software packages such as Microsoft Office.
• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of qualitative research knowledge to work within an established research team.
• Experience of data collection
• Experience of presenting and communicating complex information to a range of audiences, both orally and in writing
• Experience of prioritising work independently and as part of a team in order to deliver individual and team objectives
Desirable
• Experience of using creative research methods.
• Knowledge of junior parkrun.
  
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