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Research Fellow (WCPP)

Cardiff

Posted 15/01/2025

£50,694 - £55,295 per annum (Grade 7)

Top Reasons to Apply
  1. The purpose of the role is to lead research and engagement activities that generate, synthesise and mobilise evidence and expertise which enables policy makers and practitioners to improve policy decisions and public service outcomes.  
  2. The successful candidate will have an interest in and understanding of current public policy challenges; a commitment to improving policy and practice; excellent communication and organisational skills; and the ability to lead teams and supervise the work of less experienced staff.  
  3. Cardiff University offers a stimulating and supportive working environment with flexible working arrangements; a generous pension scheme and a range of other benefits; and a wealth of training opportunities.
Job Description

The Wales Centre for Public Policy is core funded by the Economic and Research Council, and Welsh Government, and is based in the Social Science Research Park on Cardiff University’s £300 million Innovation Campus. It works closely with ministers, senior officials, and public service leaders, providing them with high quality independent evidence and expertise that directly informs policy decisions and public service delivery.  

It collaborates with leading researchers and policy experts from across the UK and internationally to synthesise, generate and mobilise evidence and undertakes evidence reviews, expert workshops, ministerial briefings and a range of other activities. The Centre’s excellent access to ministers, civil servants, and public service leaders means that it can make a positive difference to policy and practice in key areas. Its current work includes a wide range of projects but has a particular focus on community wellbeing, the environment and net-zero, inequalities, and evidence use. 

Cardiff University offers a stimulating and supportive working environment with flexible working arrangements; a generous pension scheme and a range of other benefits; and a wealth of training opportunities.

The successful candidate will have an interest in and understanding of current public policy challenges; a commitment to improving policy and practice; excellent communication and organisational skills; and the ability to lead teams and supervise the work of less experienced staff.  

We welcome applications for secondments to the post which will provide the successful candidate with a unique opportunity to broaden their understanding of policy debates and networks in Wales. 

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), advertised on a fixed term basis until 31 March 2028.

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 14 January 2025

Closing date: Tuesday, 11 February 2025

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

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. Cardiff Business School is particularly looking to recruit from under-represented groups within the School.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Main function 

To lead research and engagement activities that generate, synthesise and mobilise evidence and expertise which enables policy makers and practitioners to improve policy decisions and public service outcomes.  

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

  • To lead the design and delivery of research projects and engagement activity with ministers, senior civil servants and public service leaders.
  • To establish and maintain excellent working relationships with ministers, civil servants and public service leaders.
  • To identify and collaborate with leading researchers and policy experts to generate and mobilise independent evidence and expert advice that can directly inform policy and practice.
  • To communicate the results of the Centre’s work to researchers, policy makers, practitioners and others in the UK and internationally through publications, events and social media.
  • To develop and manage networks and collaborations with partners, including other What Works Centres, that generate new ideas, identify evidence gaps, and develop new initiatives and funding opportunities.
  • To supervise the work of staff within the Centre and develop and line manage staff. 

Other

  • To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
  • To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
  • Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education 

  • Substantial experience of working in or with government and/or public services, equivalent to a postgraduate degree at PhD level in the relevant subject area, or a postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

  • A proven ability to generate, synthesise and communicate policy relevant research.
  • Demonstrable knowledge of the current policy challenges facing ministers, senior civil servants and public service leaders.
  • A proven ability to manage and deliver a varied portfolio of activities to tight deadlines for demanding external stakeholders.
  • A commitment to effective use of evidence in policy making and public services.

Communication and Team Working

  • An ability to engage effectively with leading researchers and senior policy makers and practitioners.
  • An ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts, motivate individuals and nurture a collegiate and supportive working environment.
  • A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and evidence to external audiences - in person, in writing and via conventional and social media. 

Company Information

Who we are
We excel in producing high quality, innovative research which translates into benefits both locally and worldwide.

We have a diverse student population with students coming from more than 100 countries and with a range of backgrounds. Our academic staff are driven by creativity and curiosity and many are leaders in their fields, creating a stimulating environment for learning.

Cardiff University makes a significant contribution to the UK economy.

We attract high-quality investment from both the public and private sector which helps translate our world-leading research into the products, services and processes of the future.

 

 

Key Facts
  • Head Office:

    Cardiff University
    Cardiff
    Wales
    CF10 3AT
    UK

  • Nearest Train Station:

    Cardiff Queen Street station.

    Cathays station is located in the centre of the Cathays Park campus.

Location
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