Details
1120435
University of Salford
02/11/2026
Other - See Job
7.5hours weekly - pattern of work to be discussed.
Not Applicable
Pay
£18.37
£2.22
Description
Role
We are seeking a skilled Research Assistant to support an innovative project exploring how researchers across the University of Salford develop and maintain equitable partnerships with collaborators in industry, communities, policymaking, health and professional practice. The role involves surveying engagement activity across the University, identifying best practice at the University and beyond, and developing practical guidance to help researchers establish inclusive, mutually beneficial and enduring partnerships that enhance research quality, maximise societal impact and foster a collaborative research culture. This opportunity is specifically intended for current University of Salford PhD researchers in their first or second year of doctoral study, with an interest in collaborative and engaged research and a desire to develop their research, evaluation and partnership-building skills.
About the Project
The project examines best practice strategies for meaningfully incorporating diverse perspectives throughout the research and knowledge exchange lifecycle. It will investigate the distinct contributions that different partners make to research and consider how these can be recognised and valued alongside academic expertise. It will explore the distinction between consultation, involvement, collaboration, and co-production and, finally, examine how partnerships can be sustained beyond individual projects. This research will produce practical guidance to help researchers establish inclusive, mutually beneficial, and enduring partnerships that enhance research quality, maximise societal impact, and foster a collaborative research culture.
Duties and responsibilities
Qualitative Data & Analysis
- Review good practice in equitable partnerships, summarising models both internally and externally
- Develop a framework that captures the value of lived experience, professional expertise, practitioner knowledge, community perspectives, and commercial expertise at different stages of the research process
- Develop case studies and examples of sustainable partnerships within the Salford ecosystem
- Develop a clear ‘ways of working’ checklist for researchers working with external partners
- Assisting in the development of resources for a training workshop or webinar
Skills and experience
Essential Skills & Experience
- Demonstrable experience with relevant research methods, particularly desk study, case study and interview methods
- Experience of research involving a range of non-academic collaborators
- Awareness of ethical, equity and sustainability considerations in collaborative research, including principles of inclusion, reciprocity and mutually beneficial partnership working
- Excellent written communication skills
- High attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
- Experience using qualitative data analysis software (e.g., NVivo)
Desirable Skills
- Experience in collaborative and engaged research
Location
University of Salford
Additional information
Duration: Approximately 9 months
Start date: November 2026
Application closing date: Monday 19th October 2026. Please note that we reserve the right to close this advertisement earlier than the stated date if a suitable number of applications are received. If you haven’t heard back by the 26th of October, please take it as you have been unsuccessful for the role as our roles fill quickly and can be closed before the advertised closing/start date.
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