Senior Research Assistant (Carbon Literacy)

Manchester Metropolitan University is a community that is creative, confident, passionate and proud, providing research-led solutions to real-world problems. We consistently rank highly in the People and Planet University League as one of the most sustainable universities in the UK. We are a world-leading provider of Carbon Literacy training, contributing to a global education programme to help citizens, businesses and public bodies move to low carbon and zero carbon ways of working, yet we have the ambition and passion for continuous improvement in our climate change education provision. This is an exciting time to join our Carbon Literacy team, collaborating with colleagues from across the University and with external partners.

The post is based in the Department of Natural Sciences, a large, successful and vibrant department in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. It is committed to achieving high-quality teaching, research and knowledge exchange spanning the disciplines of Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science and Geography. The Department has over 100 members of academic staff and delivers courses to over 1000 students across Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programmes. The REF 2021 outcome has confirmed our strong reputation as one of the leading centres for research impact in Environmental Sciences. Out of 40 departments in the country, we rank as fifth place nationally for our research impact, with 100% of our research impact rated as outstanding (75%) or having very considerable impact (25%). The Department is committed to improving further the quality and volume of research. The Department has a long track record of securing research funding and has a current portfolio of funded projects from research councils, charities, the EU, Innovate UK, the Department for Education and businesses. It prioritises development of the next generation of researchers through an individualised professional development review process.

About the role

The Senior Research Assistant (Carbon Literacy) will provide applied research and knowledge exchange support to colleagues by assisting, and where necessary taking the lead, in the further development of the Carbon Literacy training project. In so doing, you will work closely with the Carbon Literacy team.

Under the direction of the principal senior staff involved, you will support income generation linked to applied research and knowledge exchange activity in the area of Carbon Literacy and Carbon Management, an area of strategic importance to the University and Manchester, by preparing, conducting, and recording the outcomes of agreed tasks such as assisting in bid writing, client and pipeline management, implementation of costing tools and the development and delivery of Carbon Literacy training to external clients. You will also collaborate with colleagues from Faculties and Departments across the University to support the development and delivery of Carbon Literacy training to internal audiences, both staff and students.

You will be expected to make a direct contribution to Carbon Literacy, an area of existing applied research and knowledge exchange strength within the University. In particular, you will be required to undertake research evaluating training needs and outcomes using a mixed methods approach.

You will actively participate as a member of the Carbon Literacy team, offering general help and guidance to others who may be assisting with the research project.

This is a brilliant opportunity for an individual seeking a role with real impact.

Ideal candidate / person specification

• We are seeking an individual passionate about environmental education and applied research.
• The ideal Senior Research Assistant (Carbon Literacy) candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research, knowledge exchange and enterprise activities and to develop and deliver highly effective Carbon Literacy training to a wide range of participants.
• You will be proficient in the use of relevant software packages for the collection, analysis and presentation of survey and interview data, and the preparation of high-quality training materials and reports.
• You will have knowledge of carbon management and carbon literacy, including an understanding of the international and national policy framework, carbon accounting standards, training approaches, and appropriate research methods for the evaluation of training needs and outcomes.
• You will have a good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and substantial relevant experience and evidence of continuous professional development or a post graduate degree or equivalent qualification.
• You will have research and knowledge exchange experience of developing and delivering training to a wide range of audiences, building relationships, networks and partnerships with internal and external contacts, data collection and analysis, presenting and communicating complex information to a range of audiences, both orally and in writing.

Interviews will take place on 11 September 2025

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. 

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.