Research Assistant (Maternity Cover) - Wales Centre for Public Policy

The Wales Centre for Public Policy is pleased to invite applications for maternity cover (up to 12 months) as a Research Assistant to conduct research on the use of evidence in policy-making and practices of evidence mobilisation. You will work alongside experienced researchers in the Centre on studies that help to inform its approach to working with public services and the Welsh Government and assess its impact.

This post offers a unique opportunity to conduct research that will contribute directly to the growing academic literature on evidence informed policy. The successful candidate will broaden their understanding of key academic debates in these areas working within a Centre that is acknowledged to be at the leading edge of both research and practice in the field.

You must have a good understanding of public policy and the ability to work directly with public service leaders. With a commitment to high quality policy relevant research, we expect you to have excellent communication and organisational skills and be able to disseminate the findings of the research to external audiences.

Co-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and Welsh Government, the Wales Centre for Public Policy bridges the gap between academia and policy makers/practitioners by generating, synthesising and mobilising evidence from research. The Centre has more than 25 full-time staff who are drawn from a range of backgrounds - including academia, the civil service, health service, local government, think tanks, and the voluntary sector. It is a member of the What Works Network, 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. Further details are available at www.wcpp.org.uk.

The Centre provides a stimulating and supportive working environment with flexible working arrangements; a generous pension scheme and a range of other benefits; a wealth of training opportunities; and offices in the world’s first Social Science Research Park (SPARK), located on Cardiff’s £300 million Innovation Campus.

This fixed term maternity cover post is full-time (35 hours per week), available from 7 December 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and for a period of up to 12 months or until 7 December 2027. The university will consider applications which propose a secondment.

For further information and an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr Hannah Durrant at: Hannah.Durrant@wcpp.org.uk

Salary: £33,951 - £36,636 per annum (Grade 5)

Closing Date: Sunday, 27 September 2026

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. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We especially welcome and encourage applications from those from under-represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT+, Ethnic Minority or those with disabilities. 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.

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