Research Associate in Cross-Sectoral Incident Learning Framework

The University of Manchester is seeking a Research Associate to lead an interdisciplinary project focused on improving cross-sectoral learning from industrial incidents. This role involves synthesizing academic and grey literature, analyzing incident reporting mechanisms, and conducting qualitative research with industry stakeholders. The successful candidate will design a structured framework for intersectoral learning, applicable to industries like construction, oil and gas, aviation, healthcare, and nuclear. The project emphasizes collaboration with industry partners, regulators, and professional bodies to ensure real-world relevance. This position is ideal for researchers with expertise in qualitative methods, safety science, and applied research.

• Conduct a comprehensive cross-sectoral systematic review of academic literature, grey literature, regulatory reports, and industry guidance on learning from incidents.
• Analyze existing incident reporting, learning, and feedback mechanisms across multiple high-hazard sectors to identify transferable practices, gaps, and limitations.
• Design and execute qualitative research, including semi-structured interviews with industry practitioners, regulators, and safety professionals.
• Synthesize qualitative and quantitative findings into a structured, evidence-based framework for intersectoral learning from incidents.
• Collaborate closely with project partners, including industry forums, regulators, and professional bodies, to ensure the framework’s relevance and applicability.