Research Associate, DECIPHer

Cardiff University School of Social Sciences is seeking to recruit a Research Associate to work within Centre for Development, Evaluation, Complexity and Implementation in Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer) Research Centre that is located within the school.

In this role you will contribute to and, lead quantitative and qualitative research studies, where required in the context of the Health Weight Healthy Wales strategy (https://www.gov.wales/healthy-weight-strategy-healthy-weight-healthy-wales) and directly linked to Reducing Inequalities in School food Environments (RISE): Supporting provision, uptake and consumption of Free School Meals in primary schools. Responsibilities will include study management, participant recruitment, data collection and analysis, contributing to study outputs, as well as maintaining good communications with members of the team. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. The post is expected to engage in cross-organisational working between Cardiff University and Public Health Wales.

The post is funded by Reducing Inequalities in School food Environments (RISE): Supporting provision, uptake and consumption of Free School Meals in primary schools. The post would work primarily within the school food and nutrition workstream, but would be expected to work collaboratively across different projects as and when required.

Public Health Wales
The post will also be expected to work with colleagues from the Health Improvement Division, Public Health Wales to generate research ideas, projects, and engage around research outputs.  Public Health Wales is the National Public Health Institute in Wales. Our vision is 'Working to achieve a healthier future for Wales' where we play a pivotal role in driving improvements in population health and well-being, reducing health inequalities, improving healthcare outcomes, protecting the public and supporting the development of health in all policies across Wales.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), is fixed term until 31st March 2028 and is immediately available.

Salary: £40,497 - £ 45,413 per annum (Grade 6), with annual increments up to final salary at top of grade. New appointments are usually made at the starting point of the salary scale.

Responsible to Dr Sara Long, Principal Investigator

For an informal discussion about the role please contact  Sara, LongS7@cardiff.ac.uk

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), blended working (meaning you will be able to work from home for some of your time), a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments up the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

As the biggest university in Wales – and a major employer, with more than 7,000 staff – we are an ambitious and innovative university located in a beautiful and thriving capital city. We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression.

Closing date: Friday, 29 August 2025

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

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