Research Contracts Data Analyst (FT26)

Please note, this opportunity is only available to Manchester Met 2025 graduates who will be based in the UK for the duration of this role. You must have graduated from an undergraduate course from Manchester Met in June 2025 to apply. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from current or previous postgraduate students.

BackgroundResearch Development and Delivery (RD&D) within the Research and Innovation Directorate (R&I) works across the full life cycle of a research or innovation project from identifying sources of funding and submission of funding applications to delivery of projects in line with legal requirements.

The R&I Contracts team's role within RD&D is to provide contractual advice on research and innovation matters and help manage risk for Man Met. The team works on approximately 700 contracts per year and routinely reviews and advises on funding terms and conditions (T&Cs) as well as maintaining a library of 60+ pre-drafted advice notes on most encountered funder T&Cs (Frequent Funder List or FFL). The team is continually exploring how technology and digital tools can enhance service delivery and improve efficiency.

The role will be based in R&I Contracts team but will also work with the Research Development, Innovation Development, Faculty R&I, Post Award and Research Intelligence teams.

The main purpose of this role is to: Assist in developing and implementing AI-based solutions to support the review of funders' T&Cs. Improving the speed, consistency and accessibility of advice will better support academics bidding for large awards and aligns with Man Met's current strategy. Support the R&I Contracts team in the efficient use of a broad range of systems and tools.

This will include organising and improving internal guidance, the team's legal know-how resources on SharePoint, data reporting via Man Met's research management system Worktribe and the creation of digital content, guidance and training materials for Man met researchers.

Support operational and process improvement projects across the team, including mailbox triage, workflow management, process mapping and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency.

Key Responsibilities & Tasks Draft and refine AI prompts and spot areas for automation and efficiency Test tools in collaboration with the R&I Contracts team, help collect feedback, and iterate based on feedback Support adoption and communicate with internal users Design communications materials for the new tools / processes and R&I Contracts services in general Assist with reviewing, standardising and organising internal guidance notes, template wording, and legal know-how resources Support knowledge management activities, including organising materials on SharePoint and improving accessibility of guidance resources Assist with the team's shared mailbox triage and routing of queries to appropriate teams where required Assist with reporting and data analysis using systems such as Worktribe Support creation of guidance documents, training materials and internal communications contentDetailsDates: Monday 24 August - Friday 13 November 2026Hours: 35 hours per week full time.

Working pattern: Monday to Friday.

Working hours are 8:45am-4:30pm or 9:00am-4:45pm with an unpaid 45-minute lunch break Location: 6GMS, 6-8 Great Marlborough Street | Manchester | M1 5AL Benefits to the GraduateIn this role, the graduate would be expected to improve/develop the following skills: Understanding of the legal landscape that applies to research in higher education Understanding of in-house legal service delivery Applying AI and other technologies to a broad range of organisational and legal challenges Communicating complex legal and technical information in plain language Project management skills - planning, dependencies, milestones and deadlines Problem-solving and analytical skills Adaptability and flexibility Working as part of a team and gaining an understanding of team dynamics, cross-functional collaboration and operational processes Professional conduct - institutional etiquette, confidentiality, ethics in a higher education context Written and verbal communication for different audiences Person SpecificationThis role is only open to those who graduated from a Manchester Met undergraduate course in June 2025 and are not currently studying, nor have previously studied, on a postgraduate course.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

Essential: Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team Strong written and verbal communication skills Good analytical skills and attention to detail Strong organisational and time management skills Competence in using AI tools Competence with IT tools, such as Microsoft 365, Adobe Willingness to learn bespoke systems used within R&I, such as WorktribeDesirable: Previous experience in providing legal advice Curious about technology and how lawyers interact with it Interest in process improvement, legal operations or knowledge management Previous experience creating guidance materials, communications content or process documentation

How to Apply

Please apply via the Apply button, completing the application form and attaching your CV. Please make sure to provide as much detail and evidence as possible on your application form. Incomplete applications will not be considered. You may apply for multiple roles as a part of the scheme.

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 5 July 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to onto campus during w/c 20 July 2026 for a compulsory assessment centre. There will be no capacity to offer an alternative date.

It is expected that the assessment centre will consist of: Opportunity to network with Hiring Managers to discuss their roles Group taskManchester 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. We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive recruitment.

If you require or would benefit from support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in work, please contact us by e-mailing [email protected]. This information will only be used and shared with those who require it to implement any change(s) and only at the point this is required.

If you have any queries, or need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.