Community Research Officer

Location: Other - See job description

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

Swansea University is seeking to appoint a Research Officer to support the Pathways to Welsh project, funded by the AHRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA). This short-term, flexible post will play a key role in delivering research impact and community engagement in partnership with Mudiad Meithrin and IAITH: Welsh Centre for Language Planning.

The project focuses on pathways into the Welsh language for Global Majority families in Cardiff, with a particular emphasis on improving access to Welsh-medium early years education and childcare in Grangetown and Butetown. The Research Officer will work closely with the project team and partners to build trust with parents, community leaders, and stakeholders, and to design and deliver activities that capture families’ experiences and perspectives.

Responsibilities will include recruiting participants, facilitating focus groups and workshops, co-creating promotional materials, and ensuring accurate recording and analysis of data. The role also involves contributing to research outputs, supporting dissemination, and strengthening links between the University, Mudiad Meithrin, IAITH, and local communities.

This is an excellent opportunity for a researcher with strong community engagement skills, an interest in multilingualism and Welsh-medium education, and knowledge of local community languages.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 3 - Fluently. The role holder will be able to conduct a fluent conversation in Welsh on a work-related matter and write original Welsh material with confidence.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.

A satisfactory DBS certificate must be provided before a start date can be confirmed. 

Closing Date: 21 October 2025

Interview Date: 28 October 2025

Informal Enquiries: Dr Gwennan Higham g.e.higham@swansea.ac.uk

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