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- Tasks: Conduct research on renewable energy financing and regulations for the Tidal Lagoon Challenge project.
- Company: Join Cardiff Business School, a top UK institution focused on impactful research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a difference in renewable energy while developing your research skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree (PhD or nearing completion) in a related field with proven research experience.
- Other info: Part-time role (21 hours/week) for 7 months, with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 35400 - 39400 £ per year.
Advert
Research Associate – Tidal Lagoon Challenge
Welsh Economy Research Unit
Cardiff Business School
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Research Associate to support the Tidal Lagoon Challenge project funded by the Welsh Economy Research Unit, examining the financing and regulatory environment around renewable energy projects.
The successful applicant will conduct research, contributing to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research.
This role is eligible to be offered on a blended working basis, meaning that as well as spending time working on campus you may spend some time working from another location, e.g. your home. The University is committed to offering this flexibility, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work-life balance.
Please contact Professor Max Munday mundaymc@cardiff.ac.uk , Cardiff Business School, or Professor Reza Ahmadian AhmadianR@cardiff.ac.uk , School of Engineering, Cardiff University, for further information.
The role is part-time (21 hours per week, 0.6fte) and offered on a fixed term basis for a period of 7 months.
Salary: £40,497 – £45,413 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 6).
Date advert posted: Friday, 1 August 2025
Closing date: Friday, 29 August 2025
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 who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. 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.
Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at: Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Job Description
Main function
To conduct research within the Welsh Economy Research Unit in connection with a Tidal Lagoon Challenge project examining the financing and regulatory environment around renewable energy projects. You will also contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Research
- To conduct research to support the Tidal Lagoon Challenge project being undertaken by the Welsh Economy Research Unit of Cardiff Business School.
- To contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including publishing in national academic journals and conferences.
- To develop research material to support the Welsh Economy Research Unit on it Tidal lagoon Challenge project.
- To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
- To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
- To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field of financing and regulatory environments around renewable energy projects.
- To participate in School research activities.
- To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
Other
- To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications and Education
- Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
Knowledge, Skills And Experience
- An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields:
i. Renewable energy generation
ii. Financing and regulatory environment around renewables electricity generation
iii. Local economic development
- Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field.
- Proven ability to publish in national/international journals.
- Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding applications.
Communication and Team Working
- Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
- Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals
Other
- Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
- Proven ability to work without close supervision
Desirable Criteria
- Evidence of collaborations with industry.
- Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
- Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School
Additional Information
IMPORTANT NOTE TO CANDIDATES
It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing and we only invite candidates to interview who clearly evidence that they meet (or partially meet) each of the essential criteria. During the application process you will be asked to attach a supporting statement. This statement must outline how you meet the criteria below and we recommended formatting this by using each criterion as a sub-heading and providing your relevant experience/evidence below each sub-heading. It is crucial that you save your supporting statement with the vacancy number (20432BR) in the filename as failure to do so may result in it being omitted from your application.
Cardiff Business School
Cardiff Business School is a leading business and management school in the UK, holding AACSB and AMBA accreditations and ranked 1st for its Research Environment and 2nd on Research Power (REF2021). The School has a Public Value purpose and focuses on the co-creation of high quality, interdisciplinary education and knowledge that delivers economic, social and environmental value. The School’s activities are oriented towards five Grand Challenges: Decent work , fair and sustainable economies , future organisations , good governance , and responsible innovation .
Salary Range Min.
40,497
Salary Range Max.
45,413
Job Category
Academic – Research
Grade
Grade 6 #J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Associate -Tidal Lagoon Challenge 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 Associate -Tidal Lagoon Challenge
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Tidal Lagoon Challenge and its objectives. Understanding the project's goals will help you articulate how your research experience aligns with their needs during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the renewable energy sector. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet industry experts and academics, which could lead to valuable connections and insights that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with current research outputs from Cardiff Business School. By reviewing their recent publications, you can gain a better understanding of their research focus and methodologies, allowing you to tailor your discussions to their specific interests.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences in detail, especially those related to renewable energy and financing. Be ready to share specific examples of how your work has contributed to similar projects or how it could enhance the Tidal Lagoon Challenge.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate -Tidal Lagoon Challenge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Associate position. Familiarise yourself with the Tidal Lagoon Challenge project and the specific skills needed for this role.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: When writing your supporting statement, structure it according to the essential criteria listed in the job description. Use sub-headings for each criterion and provide clear examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet them.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any research experience related to renewable energy, financing, or regulatory environments. Include details about your publications, collaborations, and any relevant projects you've worked on to showcase your expertise.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all documents are formatted correctly. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you are well-versed in the latest developments in renewable energy, particularly around financing and regulatory environments. Familiarise yourself with the Tidal Lagoon Challenge project and be ready to discuss how your research aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Publications
Prepare to discuss your previous research outputs and publications. Highlight any relevant work that demonstrates your ability to publish in national or international journals, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past projects. The role requires effective communication and the ability to motivate team members, so showcasing your teamwork skills will be crucial.
✨Prepare for Ethical Considerations
Understand the importance of research ethics and governance in your field. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach preparing research ethics applications and ensure compliance with relevant guidelines.
