Research Associate - Nuffield Foundation Research Project

Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a Research Associate for a Nuffield Foundation project focused on musculoskeletal conditions and employment dynamics. This role involves conducting quantitative data analysis and publishing research findings within a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates hold a PhD in economics or a related field and have strong expertise in economic research and effective communication skills. This full-time position offers a salary of £40,497 - £45,413.

Qualifications

• Expertise in labour economics or health economics.
• Proven ability to publish in international journals.
• Knowledge of competitive research funding.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative analysis of secondary data.
• Contribute to research publications and dissemination.
• Engage with project stakeholders.

Skills

Economic research expertise

Quantitative analysis

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Microdata analysis

Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level in economics

Job description

Advert

Research Associate

Nuffield Foundation Research Project

Cardiff Business School

The project “Musculoskeletal conditions, employment retention and job quality” aims to better understand the consequences of musculoskeletal conditions on employment dynamics and the experience of work. It brings together academic economists and practitioners with the aim of developing evidence-based policy and employer practice.

We are looking for a fixed term research associate to join the team and undertake quantitative data analysis using longitudinal microdata in the UK.

The project is funded by the Nuffield Foundation Oliver Bird Fund. More information about the project is available at: Musculoskeletal conditions, employment retention and job quality - Nuffield Foundation or contact Professor Melanie Jones [e-mail]

This full time role (35 hours per week) is advertised on a fixed-term basis from 1 September 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a period of 24 months.

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

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 13 August 2025

Closing Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025

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 who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. 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), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Main function

To conduct economic research within the Nuffield Foundation funded research project “Musculoskeletal conditions, employment retention and job quality” carrying out quantitative analysis of secondary data leading to the publishing of high-quality research.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

• To conduct research relating to a Nuffield Foundation funded research project “Musculoskeletal conditions, employment retention and job quality”. Contribute to the overall research performance of the project, School and University by the production of measurable outputs, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and wider dissemination of research findings.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals, where applicable
• To attend and or present at meetings/conferences/seminars at a local and national level
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics, research governance and data-related applications as appropriate
• To participate in School research activities
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university to disseminate research project findings and influence decisions
  
  

Other

• To engage effectively with project partners and interested stakeholders to raise awareness of the project, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world, where applicable
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role
  
  

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

• Postgraduate degree at PhD level in economics or a closely related subject area
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• An established expertise and proven portfolio of research within either of the following research fields:
  
  

i. Labour economics

ii. Health economics

• Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
• Proven ability to publish in international journals / international conferences
• Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
  
  

Communication and Team Working

• Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
  
  

Other

• Proven ability to work without close supervision
• Expertise in the analysis of microdata
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the project.
  
  

IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES

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 (20474BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.

Additional Information

Cardiff Business School

Cardiff Business School is a leading business and management school in the UK, holding AACSB and AMBA accreditations and ranked 1st for its Research Environment and 2nd on Research Power (REF2021). The School has a Public Value purpose and focuses on the co-creation of high quality, interdisciplinary education and knowledge that delivers economic, social and environmental value. The School’s activities are oriented towards five Grand Challenges: Decent work , fair and sustainable economies , future organisations , good governance , and responsible innovation .

Salary Range Min.

40,497

Salary Range Max.

45,413

Job Category

Academic - Research

Grade

Grade 6