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 by generating and mobilising evidence that improves policy decisions and public services.  

The Centre is a member of the UK’s What Works network. It collaborates with leading researchers from the UK and internationally to generate, synthesise and mobilise research evidence that can be applied to tackle pressing economic, environmental and social challenges.

We are seeking to recruit an outstanding individual to contribute to our work with public services and the 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 relation to environment and net zero, community wellbeing and tackling inequalities.

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; and excellent communication and organisational skills.

It offers 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 new 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 1-2 days per week (with some flexibility). The post is available as a part-time (15 hours per week) or full-time (35 hours per week) role. In your supporting statement, please indicate what your preferred number of hours would be. 

The post is available from 1st March 2025 until 31st March 2028 with the possibility of renewal thereafter subject to further funding. We will consider applications to join the Centre on a secondment basis for a minimum of 12 months.

Salary: £40,247 - £45,163 per annum, pro-rata if worked part-time (Grade 6).

We encourage potential applicants to contact Amanda Hill-Dixon (Senior Research Fellow – amanda.hill-dixon@wcpp.org.uk) for an informal discussion about the role.  

Applicants are asked to answer the following questions at the start of their supporting statement. Your answers must not exceed 200 words per question.

Question 1: The Wales Centre for Public Policy provides evidence to enable local authorities, health boards and other public bodies to identify ways to improve policy decisions and public services.

How would you go about identifying the policy issues that we should work on with them over the next six months?  What criteria would you use to rank the issues in order of priority?

Question 2: The Centre does most of its work in partnership with experts from other universities and research organisations. Imagine that we’ve been asked by a Public Service Board to provide evidence on what local services can do to tackle poverty in their area. They need a report in three months’ time to inform their Wellbeing Plan.

How would you identify the best experts to work with us on this project? What potential barriers might you encounter in securing their input and how would you overcome these? How would you ensure that public services engage with the project?

Closing date: Friday, 7 March 2025

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