Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on Wales' productivity challenges and share findings with policymakers.
- Company: Join Cardiff University’s Productivity Institute, a hub for innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in improving living standards through your research.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in economics or related field; strong research skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 41000 £ per year.
Overview
The Productivity Institute brings together experts from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, working directly with policymakers and businesses to better understand, measure, and enable improvements in productivity across the UK, with the aim to improve living standards and well-being.
The Wales Productivity Forum are looking to recruit another fixed term research associate to support the work of the forum by undertaking and disseminating research on Wales’ Productivity Challenge. The role will support the generation and dissemination of evidence on productivity and will involve literature reviews, data analysis, report writing and dissemination activities, including supporting forum meetings, as appropriate. The forum aims to inform policymakers and businesses about relevant insights from the Institute’s work. A willingness to engage with external stakeholders and the central research team at the Productivity Institute is therefore a key requirement of the role.
More information about the forum is available at: https://www.productivity.ac.uk/regions-nations/wales-regional-forum/ or contact Professor Melanie Jones jonesm116@cardiff.ac.uk
The full time role (35 hours per week) is immediately available on a fixed-term basis for until 31 August 2026.
Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum (Grade 6)
Date advert posted: Thursday, 23 October 2025
Closing date: Thursday, 20 November 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. 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. 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.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
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
Job Description
Main function
To conduct research on Wales’ productivity challenge to inform and support the work of the Wales Productivity Forum. To contribute to the overall research performance of The Productivity Institute by carrying out impactful and high-quality published research.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- To conduct research on Wales’ productivity challenge and contribute to the overall research performance of the Productivity Institute and Cardiff University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the dissemination of this research.
- To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
- To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required
- To undertake administrative tasks associated with the Wales Productivity Forum, including the planning and organisation of Forum meetings 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
- To participate in School and Institute 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 Wales Forum 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 enhancement of the regional and national profile of the Productivity Institute.
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To participate in Productivity Institute administration and activities to promote the Institute 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 economics or 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. Regional economics and/or the Welsh economy
ii. The drivers of productivity
- Knowledge of current status of research in specialist field
- Proven ability to publish in national/international journals/ national/international conferences and/or other research outputs
- Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies
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 and/or policymakers.
- 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 Productivity Institute and 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 (XXXXXBR) 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.
41,064
Salary Range Max.
46,049
Job Category
Academic – Research
Grade
Grade 6
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Associate - Wales Productivity Forum 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 - Wales Productivity Forum
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of economics and productivity, especially those connected to the Wales Productivity Forum. Attend relevant events and engage in conversations that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your research skills! Prepare a portfolio of your previous work, including publications and presentations. This will demonstrate your expertise and make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out directly to the Wales Productivity Forum or similar organisations. Express your interest and ask about potential collaborations or upcoming projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to the important work being done in productivity research.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - Wales Productivity Forum
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in regional economics and productivity. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves a lot of research, be sure to emphasise your experience with literature reviews, data analysis, and report writing. We love seeing examples of your past work, so include any publications or projects that demonstrate your skills.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current research landscape related to productivity, especially within the Welsh economy. Familiarise yourself with recent publications and key findings that could be relevant to the role, as this will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Data Analysis Questions
Since the role involves data analysis, brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss your experience with data interpretation. Think of specific examples where you've successfully analysed data and how it contributed to your research outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to demonstrate how you’ve communicated complex research findings to different audiences, whether through presentations or written reports. Consider bringing a portfolio of your work to highlight your ability to convey information clearly.
✨Network Like a Pro
The job requires building networks with various stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in networking and collaboration. Think about how you can leverage these connections to enhance the work of the Wales Productivity Forum and be ready to share ideas on potential partnerships.