Open Research Specialist

The University of Manchester Library is one of only five National Research Libraries and the third largest academic library in the UK. Our vast and rich collections (both print and digital) help us to deliver a world class library and information service for the University of Manchester. We sit at the heart of the University experience for both learning and research and are fully committed to widening access to our expertise, collections and services to individual researchers, local schools, and others in the community.

The Library's Office for Open Research provides a range of support to research staff and students at the University, across three key service areas: Open Access, Research Data Management, and Research Indicators. Working closely with colleagues from across the Collection Strategies directorate, the Office for Open Research also has strong links with our Library Engagement and Digital Development Teams, as well as working with the University's Research and Business Engagement Directorate and researchers throughout the University.

We are currently recruiting to the fixed term post of Open Research Specialist in our Open Access team to support researchers making their publications Open Access. The successful candidate will be working with colleagues to support the payment of article processing charges (APC), manage publisher dashboards and contribute to making the University's research outputs openly available. This important work will help to fulfil research funder requirements, and improve the discoverability and accessibility of the ~8,000 journal articles and conference proceedings produced by University staff and students each year.

The successful candidate will be confident responding to enquiries from researchers, and able to work collaboratively with colleagues to make sure that service users get the best experience possible. They will also be comfortable developing an understanding of specialist tools like Pure, and should be well-acquainted with the Microsoft 365 suite of products.

The Library operates within a hybrid working framework and this role has been categorised as 'Hybrid', which requires regular campus-based work but offers the flexibility for some remote working. The Open Access service team currently works on campus two days per week.

If you'd like to have an informal conversation about the job and what it involves, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the hiring manager (contact details below).

Interviews will take place in January 2026

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all suitably-qualified persons and all appointments will be made on merit. As we are committed to the principles of the Race Equality Charter Mark, we would particularly welcome applications from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community who are currently under-represented at this level in this area. Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Steve Carlton

Email:

General enquiries:

Email:

Technical support:

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.