Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Cambridge is seeking a Research Associate to support the Bennett School of Public Policy. This role involves producing policy briefings, conducting research, and facilitating collaboration in public policy. Candidates should have a PhD or significant research experience. Salary ranges from £37,694 to £46,049 for the Research Associate position.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable research skills reflecting equivalent capability.
• Evidence of potential for research and publication at a high level.
• Good understanding of the policy process.

Responsibilities

• Produce rapid response and deep-dive policy briefings.
• Conduct consultations and commissioned research.
• Facilitate engagement and collaboration.
• Contribute to strategic development of the knowledge function.

Education

PhD (submitted or near submission)

Job description

Overview

Funding is available for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of a further two years funding. Applications are invited for a Research Associate at the new Bennett School of Public Policy (BSPP) in the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science. The start date for this role will be January 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Bennett School of Public Policy (BSPP) at its inception. The BSPP, part of the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science, has an ambitious growth plan including launching a new M.Phil in Digital Policy alongside an expanded M.Phil in Public Policy, and the development of a new PhD programme. It is led by its inaugural Director Professor Michael Kenny and Professor Diane Coyle, the Bennett Professor of Public Policy.

The newly established Bennett School of Public Policy is seeking an early-career policy or research professional to support policy response and knowledge transfer activities within the new school and to play a vital role in enhancing the School\'s capacity to respond quickly and effectively to opportunities for policy engagement and impact.

This is a unique opportunity to support the delivery of rapid and deep-dive policy briefings, consultation responses, and commissioned research, helping translate cutting-edge academic insights into high-impact policy contributions at national, regional, and local levels. This position, initially for three years, offers an excellent opportunity for a researcher with a background in relevant disciplines and a keen interest in the intersection between academia and policymaking. Applications from candidates with backgrounds in public policy and any associated disciplines, and with experience of engaging with external audiences, including policy-makers, are particularly welcome.

This post will be located in the Bennett School of Public Policy, supported by the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The Research Associate will work on producing \"rapid response\" and \"deep dive\" policy briefings on current policy topics, often in collaboration with interdisciplinary academic teams; consultations and commissioned research, including timely responses to public consultations, Parliamentary inquiries and policy reviews; engagement and collaboration, including the organisation of roundtable and policy engagement events; and the ongoing strategic development of the Bennett School\'s knowledge function.

Responsibilities

• Produce rapid response and deep-dive policy briefings on current policy topics, often with interdisciplinary teams.

• Conduct consultations and commissioned research, including timely responses to public consultations, Parliamentary inquiries and policy reviews.

• Facilitate engagement and collaboration, including organising roundtables and policy engagement events.

• Contribute to the ongoing strategic development of the Bennett School\'s knowledge function.

Qualifications and experience

Candidates should normally have a PhD (submitted or near submission at the time of application) in a relevant field, or, for candidates without a PhD, substantial and demonstrable research skills that reflect equivalent research capability. All candidates should be able to demonstrate relevant research methods experience, evidence of potential for research and publication at a high level, and a good understanding of the policy process.

Salary ranges: Research Associate (Grade 7): £37,694 - £46,049. Those on an academic pathway who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5): £34,610 - £35,608, moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Application details

To be considered, applicants must upload:

• A covering letter (2 pages max) explaining the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role.
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) including full educational qualifications and academic experience, and a list of publications.
• A recent writing sample (maximum 10,000 words).
• The contact details of two referees.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 10 October 2025 and interviews are expected to take place shortly after. Further information about the BSPP can be found at: https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/.

Applications should be made online. Applicants must provide the names and contact details of two referees familiar with their work. Click the "Apply" button to register an account with our recruitment system and apply online. Enquiries should be addressed to Jane Renouf, [e-mail]. Please quote reference JB47263 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.