Research Associate (WCPP)

Co-funded by the Welsh Government, Economic and Social Research Council and Cardiff University, the Wales Centre for Public Policy bridges the gap between academic research and policy makers/practitioners by generating and mobilising evidence that improves policy decisions and public services. Its staff come from a range of backgrounds including academia, the civil service, health service, local government, think tanks and the voluntary sector.

The Centre is a member of the UK’s What Works Network and the International Public Policy Observatory. Collaborating with leading researchers from across the UK and internationally to generate, synthesise and mobilise research evidence that can be applied to tackle pressing economic, environmental and social challenges. Staff enjoy excellent access to senior policy makers and public service leaders which enables them to achieve research impact at national/ local level. 

We are seeking to recruit an outstanding individual to contribute to our work with public services and Welsh Government. The post offers a unique opportunity to manage and conduct high quality, policy research, working closely with leading researchers and policy makers who are at the heart of current policy developments and debates particularly in our three priority areas of Environment and Net Zero, Tackling inequalities, and Community wellbeing. 

You must have a good understanding of public policy; the ability to work directly with public service leaders; a commitment to high quality policy relevant research; excellent communication and organisational skills; and the ability to work as part of the Centre’s wider team.  

The post is part-time (0.5 FTE) and available immediately until 31st May 2025 to cover maternity leave. Offering a stimulating and supportive working environment with flexible working arrangements; a generous university pension scheme; a wealth of training opportunities; and a base in the Social Science Research Park (SPARK) located on Cardiff’s £300 million Innovation Campus. The Centre supports hybrid working and the successful candidate will need to be available to work from its offices in Cardiff two days per week. 

We encourage potential applicants to contact Professor James Downe (Acting Director of the Wales Centre for Public Policy – email james.downe@wcpp.org.uk) or Dan Bristow (Director of Policy & Practice – email dan.bristow@wcpp.org.uk) for an informal discussion about the role. Applications for a secondment will be considered.

Salary: £40,247 - £45,163 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 5).

Closing date: Thursday, 2 January 2025

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), more information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

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