Research Assistant (WCPP) Cardiff Business School 2024

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. The 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. It collaborates 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 and local level.

The team

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 including how to achieve net-zero, tackle poverty and inequalities, and support 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 Wales Centre for Public Policy is pleased to invite applications for the role of Research Assistant to conduct research on the use of evidence in policy-making and practices of evidence mobilisation. You will work alongside experienced researchers in the Centre on studies that help to inform its approach to working with public services and the Welsh Government and assess its impact.

This post offers a unique opportunity to conduct research that will contribute directly to the growing academic literature on evidence-informed policy making as well as helping to improve understanding on how the Centre can improve its’ impact. The successful candidate will broaden their understanding of key academic debates in these areas working within a Centre that is acknowledged to be at the leading edge of both research and practice in the field.

Co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and Welsh Government, the Wales Centre for Public Policy bridges the gap between academia and policy makers/practitioners by generating, synthesising and mobilising evidence from research. The Centre has more than 20 full-time staff who are drawn from a range of backgrounds - including academia, the civil service, health service, local government, think tanks, and the voluntary sector. It is a member of the What Works network, was a finalist in the prestigious ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize, and is recognised internationally for its pioneering, demand-led approach to evidence use, and knowledge mobilisation. Further details are available at www.wcpp.org.uk.

The Centre provides a stimulating and supportive working environment with flexible working arrangements; a generous pension scheme and a range of other benefits; a wealth of training opportunities; and offices in the world’s first Social Science Research Park (SPARK), located on Cardiff’s £300 million Innovation Campus.

Job purpose

To contribute to research on evidence-informed policy-making, carrying out work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research and development of the Wales Centre for Public Policy’s methods of mobilising evidence. Support colleagues in helping to assess the impact of the Centre. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

General duties

• To manage, undertake and disseminate research to improve understanding of evidence-informed policy-making including reviewing existing literature, scoping new projects, data collection (e.g., interviews), and drafting outputs.
• To conduct research that informs the Centre’s work with Welsh public services and the Welsh Government.
• To conduct research to assess the impact of the Centre’s work and identify how it can make improvements in this area.
• To undertake research on the contribution the Centre makes to academic expert's experience of policy engagement and research impact.
• To actively participate in the research team by communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners,
• To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages.
• To contribute to the development and design of new research projects.
• To provide general support and guidance in research activities to members of the research team across all projects.
• To support the organisation of events including panels at Conferences and internal meetings.
• To contribute to the dissemination of research through conventional and social media including the Centre’s website, blogs, and Twitter.
• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

Other

• To engage in personal and professional development which will enhance performance.
• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person specification

It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criterion as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (e.g. 18376BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application

Essential criteria

Qualifications and education

• A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., social sciences including politics, economics, sociology, public policy etc.) or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of appropriate research methods and techniques.
• Proven ability to analyse complex information and data and to summarise appropriately.
• Strong organisational skills and the confidence and ability to ensure that projects are delivered on time, working in collaboration with senior researchers.
• Interest in and knowledge of evidence and policy: e.g., knowledge transfer, science and technology studies, policy-making.
• Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively with academic or other audiences.
• Excellent organisational and team-working skills.
• Demonstrable ability to work creatively and innovatively within a team and proven inter-personal skills.

Desirable criteria

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area.
• Experience of managing, conducting and/or using research in the public sector, research organisations, think tanks or similar settings.
• Proven ability to work without close supervision and prioritise tasks appropriately.