Research Associate

at  Manchester Metropolitan University

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.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Strong experimental and quasi-experimental design skills, including in the design and planning of experiments
• Excellent quantitative data analysis skills, including multiple regression modelling, multilevel modelling, etc
• Proficiency in data manipulation, quality assurance and management using statistical software packages such as STATA and R
• 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
• An interest in applied social policy research, particularly in the fields of education, families and children, youth, employment, or crime and justice
• A doctoral level qualification, or a masters level qualification with additional equivalent experience
• Significant research experience in the fields of experimental (pragmatic randomised controlled field trials) and/or quasi experimental design and analysis, in areas relating to social or economic policy, service design/delivery or practice

The department is looking to appoint a Research Associate (Grade 8) to undertake applied quantitative and advanced statistical work on our growing portfolio of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental impact evaluations.
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. The postholder will make a substantial contribution to securing funding for our work and be responsible for the design, management and analysis of randomised and quasi-experimental studies. This role includes developing new study designs, writing protocols and statistical analysis plans, managing and organising data flows as well as undertaking advance statistical analysis, reporting and publication of findings. Much of the work will be in collaboration with external partners and with colleagues from across the university, and will require strong project management and good communication skills. Projects will be varied in nature but will tend to cover sectors such as: education, social care, criminal justice, housing and homelessness, or poverty and work.