Overview
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 and support staff for Elemental - Manchester Poetry Library Summer Exhibition 2026. This includes assisting with research, curation, interpretation, and the dissemination of findings to relevant research groups and contacts connected to the project. The role will also support the development of new areas within creative writing and public engagement.
Responsibilities
* Work collaboratively with Professor Jean Sprackland and MPL staff to develop a coherent and engaging curatorial theme and narrative.
* Coordinate the collection and preparation of exhibition materials (e.g., poems, objects, images, contextual information).
* Develop exhibition content, including wall texts, object labels, and digital presentations.
* Assist with the physical installation and dismantling of the exhibition.
* Research activities: Undertake reflection on creative writing and curation using exhibition-based research methods. Plan and prioritise your own work and resources within the research project framework to determine the most effective way to achieve agreed objectives.
* Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methodologies.
* Write up research findings and prepare them for presentation to the research team and relevant stakeholders.
* Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
* Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques to support research activities and resolve issues affecting objectives or deadlines.
* Present research to the team and in appropriate articles for publication, such as academic or professional journals, or at conferences.
* Participate in internal and external partnerships and networks to support the dissemination of research findings and share best practice.
* Proactively engage with quality assurance procedures to help ensure University standards are upheld.
* Collaborate with academic colleagues on research development and future direction.
* Actively participate as a member of the research team and support others, including PhD students, involved in the project.
* Attend Faculty, Department, and Programme meetings/boards as appropriate, contributing proactively to decision-making.
* Assist with training and induction of new starters and support postgraduate or research students as required.
Qualifications
* Postgraduate research student in Curation Studies.
* The candidate must have experience of curating exhibitions and ideally a theoretical understanding of the work involved.
* Ability to use initiative, creativity, and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to support research.
* Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge to work effectively within an established research team.
* 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 to deliver individual and team objectives.
* The candidate must have experience of curating exhibitions and ideally a theoretical understanding of the work involved.
* Ability to use initiative, creativity, and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to support research.
* Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge to work effectively within an established research team.
* 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 to deliver individual and team objectives.
Miscellaneous
You have a legal duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that you do not endanger yourself or others by your actions or omissions. You must cooperate with the University on all health and safety matters. You are responsible for applying the University's Equal Opportunities Policy in your conduct and within your area of work. You must promote high levels of customer care within your work. You may be required to undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post, as assigned by your Manager. Such requests will not be unreasonably withheld. You are expected to support the University's commitment to Environmental Sustainability by reducing waste, energy use, and carbon footprint. You should also support the University's commitment to delivering value-for-money services by considering efficiency in all aspects of your role.
Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
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