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- Tasks: Conduct research on children's social care and parental alcohol use, including literature reviews and data analysis.
- Company: Join Cardiff University's CASCADE Centre, a leader in social care research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 45 days annual leave, blended working, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through impactful research.
- Qualifications: Degree in social science or related field; strong quantitative skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; great opportunity for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 27400 - 29500 £ per year.
Overview
Research Assistant, CASCADE. Cardiff University School of Social Sciences is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant to work within the Children\\\’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE), a Research Centre located within the School.
In this role the Research Assistant will contribute to research within the field of children’s social care and parental alcohol use. Duties include conducting a rapid literature review, preparing and analysing administrative data sets housed within the SAIL Databank, and administrative tasks.
This post is part-time, 60% (21 hours per week), fixed term until 31 July 2027 and is immediately available.
Salary and Benefits
Salary: £33,482 – £36,130 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 5), with annual increments up to final salary at top of grade. New appointments are usually made at the starting point of the salary scale.
Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time), blended working, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, and more. It is a Living Wage employer.
Contact and Application Information
Responsible to Professor Donald Forrester, CASCADE Centre Director.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Donald Forrester at D@cardiff.ac.uk or Tel +44 2920 688724.
The recruiter is particularly interested in candidates with strong quantitative skills for real world research.
Application Details
Date advert posted: Friday, 12 September 2025
Closing date: Friday, 10 October 2025
Equality and Diversity
Cardiff University is committed to equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will consider flexible working or job share arrangements.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an English one.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). More information at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University.
Job Description
- To undertake research, e.g., by reviewing literature, preparing data, analysing data, writing up findings.
- Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings and other recognised avenues, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners.
- To support public involvement activities.
- To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required.
- To contribute and support research funding bids as required.
- To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages.
- To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate.
- To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
- To provide support in research activities and guidance to other staff within the research team.
- To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
Other Duties
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
- To undergo personal and professional development relevant to and which will enhance performance.
- To ensure understanding of confidentiality in all duties.
- To abide by University Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity policies.
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., social science, social work, social policy) or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge and experience of quantitative research methods and techniques.
- Experience using statistical software packages such as STATA, R, or others.
- Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to develop applications to funding bodies.
- Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately.
- Proven communication skills, including presentations to various audiences.
- Excellent organisational and team-working skills.
- Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamwork within work.
Desirable Criteria
- Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) or relevant industrial experience.
- Experience using administrative data sets (e.g., The SAIL Databank).
- Evidence of collaborations with industry.
- Proven ability to work without close supervision.
- Proven ability to adapt to changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
Important: Evidencing Criteria
Cardiff University\\\’s policy uses the person specification for shortlisting. Candidates must evidence they meet ALL essential criteria and, where relevant, the desirable.
As part of the application process, provide evidence via a supporting statement aligned with the numbered criteria. Name the supporting statement with vacancy reference 20637BR.
Your application will be at risk of not progressing if you do not evidence you have met all essential criteria. CVs are welcome to accompany evidence of the criteria.
These criteria will also be used at interview or by other means (e.g., skills test).
Additional Information
Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE)
Education: CASCADE is the leading centre for evaluative research in children’s social care in the UK and a centre of excellence in social sciences and education research. It aims to improve well-being and safety of children and families.
- Generating primary research evidence of internationally recognised quality.
- Making results available to researchers, professionals, policy-makers and families.
- Developing social care research capacity in Wales.
- Engaging collaborators including children, parents, practitioners, policy-makers and providers.
CASCADE is based within Cardiff University School of Social Sciences. The School leads in public and policy debates. Further details at the School home page.
Salary Range Min: 33,482
Salary Range Max: 36,130
Job Category: Academic – Research
Grade: Grade 5
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Research Assistant, CASCADE employer: Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
Contact Detail:
Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant, CASCADE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to CASCADE or Cardiff University. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to research methods and data analysis. Brush up on your quantitative skills and be ready to discuss how you’ve used statistical software like STATA or R in past projects. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for children’s social care! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your thoughts on current issues in the field and how your research can make a difference. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our updates for any new opportunities that pop up. We’re all about helping you land that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant, CASCADE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to align your supporting statement with the numbered criteria in the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences match what we're looking for, so be specific and provide examples!
Show Off Your Quantitative Skills: Since we're particularly interested in strong quantitative skills, highlight any relevant experience you have with statistical software like STATA or R. Let us know how you've used these tools in your previous work or studies.
Keep It Professional but Personal: While we want a professional application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! A bit of authenticity can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest research in children's social care and parental alcohol use. Familiarise yourself with key studies and findings, especially those relevant to CASCADE's work. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Quantitative Skills
Since the role requires strong quantitative skills, be prepared to discuss your experience with statistical software like STATA or R. Bring examples of how you've used these tools in past projects, and if possible, prepare to demonstrate your analytical thinking through a case study or example.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
The role involves working within a research group, so be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Think of specific instances where you contributed to a team project, resolved conflicts, or supported colleagues. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to various audiences.
✨Align with Their Values
Cardiff University values equality and diversity, so it’s important to express your commitment to these principles. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve promoted inclusivity in your previous roles or how you plan to support public involvement activities in your research at CASCADE.
