Research Assistant (WCPP)

The Wales Centre for Public Policy is a unique £9 million initiative which is co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Welsh Government, with additional support from Cardiff University. Its mission is to increase the use of research evidence by government and public services in order to improve policy decisions and outcomes for the public.

The Centre is independent of government but works closely with ministers, civil servants, local government, and the health service to generate high quality evidence and analysis that informs and improves national and local strategies, policies, and programmes. It is part of the UK’s What Works Network and collaborates with colleagues from across the UK and internationally to mobilise evidence that addresses major economic, environmental and societal challenges. The Centre was a finalist in the prestigious ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize, and is recognised internationally for its pioneering, demand-led approach to evidence use, and knowledge mobilisation.

The Centre is pleased to invite applications for our popular Research Apprenticeship scheme which runs on an annual basis. Previous apprentices are studying for PhDs, working in the UK and Welsh Governments, and some have progressed to research posts in the Centre. We are seeking an outstanding graduate who can bridge the worlds of research and policy and is committed to producing high quality, policy relevant research and analysis. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of current policy debates, and particularly in our three priority areas of the Environment and Net Zero, Tackling inequalities, and Community wellbeing. You will also conduct research on the use of evidence in policy-making and practices of evidence mobilisation.

You will work with experienced researchers to scope and undertake assignments for Welsh Government ministers and public service leaders and be mentored by the Centre’s senior staff. You will have opportunities to undertake two work shadowing placements with relevant governmental/policy organisations such as the Welsh Government.

The Centre offers a stimulating and supportive working environment within a highly motivated and collegiate team. You will have access to the wealth of training opportunities provided by Cardiff University. We support hybrid working and other flexible working arrangements but expect staff to work from our offices in the new purpose-built Social Science Research Park (SPARK) located on Cardiff University’s £300 million Innovation Campus at least two days per week.

The post is full-time (35 hours per week), one-year appointment from April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Salary: £33,951 - £36,636 per annum (Grade 5)
                                                                                                                                       
Applicants are asked to answer the following question at the start of their supporting statement. Your answer must NOT exceed 300 words in total.

The Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) provides evidence to enable Welsh Government, local authorities, health boards, and other public bodies in Wales make policy decisions and improve public services. Choose a policy area you have demonstrable experience with and explain whether it relates to WCPP’s priority areas. Then outline your approach to how you would synthesise the evidence to answer a challenging question in this policy area. Finally, highlight the key factors which need to be considered about the quality of this evidence to ensure it is sufficiently robust to help Welsh policy makers.

Closing date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026

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