Redeployment Only-Research Associate - Wales Centre for Public Policy

Cardiff University; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research centre seeks a dedicated Research Associate to lead impactful projects on knowledge mobilisation and evidence use. This full-time role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to high-quality research that informs policymaking for the Welsh Government and public services. Collaborate with a motivated team, receive mentorship, and engage in a stimulating environment that values diversity and inclusion. With no teaching obligations, you can focus entirely on research, enhancing your career while making a real difference in public policy. Join us in shaping the future of evidence-informed decision-making.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training opportunities

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of knowledge mobilisation and evidence use.
• Ability to lead research projects and work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on knowledge mobilisation and evidence use.
• Support project teams in assessing impact as an embedded researcher.

Skills

Knowledge Mobilisation

Evidence Use

Impact Assessment

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Organisational Skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Master's degree

Job description

Advert

Please note that this job is open only to current members of staff of Cardiff University who are eligible for redeployment.

Internal Redeployment Only - Research Associate
Wales Centre for Public Policy

The Wales Centre for Public Policy is a unique £9 million initiative co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Welsh Government, with additional support from Cardiff University. Its mission is to increase the use of research evidence by government and public services to improve policy decisions and outcomes for the public.

The Centre operates independently of government but collaborates closely with ministers, civil servants, local government, and the health service to generate high-quality evidence and analysis that inform and enhance national and local strategies, policies, and programmes. It is part of the UK's What Works Network and works with colleagues across the UK and internationally to mobilise evidence addressing major economic, environmental, and societal challenges. The Centre was a finalist in the ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize and is recognized internationally for its innovative, demand-led approach to evidence use and knowledge mobilisation.

The Centre seeks an outstanding researcher to work on projects related to knowledge mobilisation, evidence use, and impact. Responsibilities include literature searching, primary data collection, and disseminating findings through peer-reviewed journals.

You should have an interest and understanding of knowledge mobilisation, evidence use, and impact; a commitment to high-quality research; excellent communication and organisational skills; and the ability to lead research projects and work effectively within a team of 20 staff. You will work with experienced researchers on new projects and receive mentorship from senior staff.

The Centre offers a stimulating, supportive environment within a motivated, collegiate team. Training opportunities are available through Cardiff University. We support hybrid and flexible working but expect staff to work from our offices at least one day per week.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position from September 2025 to 31 March 2028. Secondment applications are welcome. There is no teaching requirement, allowing full focus on research.

For informal inquiries, contact Professor James Downe at [e-mail].

Salary: £40,497 - £45,413 per annum (Grade 6).

Closing date: Sunday, 11 May 2025.

Applications can be submitted in Welsh or English, with no disadvantage for Welsh submissions.

Cardiff University values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and considering flexible or job share arrangements.

We evaluate applicants based on research quality, not publication metrics, in line with the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). More info at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Main function

This full-time research-only role offers a chance to develop leading-edge research on knowledge mobilisation, evidence use, and impact. You will serve as the Centre's embedded impact researcher, supporting colleagues in assessing project impacts for Welsh Government and public services. Your work will contribute to research on evidence-informed policymaking, leading to high-quality publications and methodological advancements. The position is from September 2025 to 31 March 2028.

• Conduct research on knowledge mobilisation, evidence use, and impact.
• Synthesize existing literature in these fields.
• Support project teams in impact assessment as the embedded impact researcher.
• Plan and execute new research projects, including ethics applications.
• Document and publish the Centre’s approaches to knowledge mobilisation.
• Manage impact assessment through retrospective case studies.
• Publish in academic journals to contribute to research performance.
• Build networks internally and externally to influence policy and research directions.
• Present findings at conferences and via social media.
• Contribute to proposals for external funding.

Other

• Engage in personal and professional development.
• Perform other duties consistent with the role.
• Engage with public sector and academic partners to raise the Centre’s profile and foster collaborations.

Additional Information

Applicants should address each essential criterion in a supporting statement, using the vacancy number (xxxxxBR) in the filename. The statement should detail relevant experience and evidence.