At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research teams and collaborate with experts to tackle Wales' biggest challenges.
- Company: Wales Centre for Public Policy, bridging academia and policy.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous pension, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team at Cardiff University's innovative campus.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public services and shape future policies.
- Qualifications: Strong research background and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61823 - 67468 £ per year.
The Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) invites applications for a Senior Research Fellow to take on a leadership role within the Centre, replacing the current Director of Policy and Practice (Public Services). The successful candidate will join the management group in the Centre and share responsibility for shaping its future direction.
Working closely with ministers and senior public service leaders, you will be responsible for leading and supporting research teams within the Centre, as well as commissioning and collaborating with leading external experts. You will provide independent, high-quality evidence and expertise to address some of the most pressing economic, environmental and social challenges facing Wales.
This is a distinctive opportunity to operate at the interface of research and policy, ensuring that robust evidence is translated into practical insights that inform decision making and improve public service outcomes. This is a senior role within the Centre, offering the opportunity to lead programmes of research and engagement, manage teams and partnerships, and contribute to the strategic direction of WCPP’s work.
You will work at the heart of current policy debates, building strong relationships with policymakers and practitioners, and shaping the development and delivery of impactful research and policy activity.
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 by generating, synthesising and mobilising evidence from research. WCPP offers a stimulating, collaborative and supportive working environment. We provide flexible working arrangements, a generous pension scheme and benefits package, and access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
The role is based at SPARK, the world’s first Social Science Research Park, located within Cardiff University’s £300 million Innovation Campus. The role is full time and is fixed term until the end of the current grant term on 31 March 2028. We are open to a job share and flexible working arrangements, such as compressed hours.
Salary: £61,823 - £67,468 per annum (Grade 8)
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. 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.
Senior Research Fellow, Wales Centre for Public Policy in Cardiff employer: Cardiff University
Cardiff University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the realm of international research. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, staff are encouraged to grow their careers while contributing to impactful global partnerships. Located in the vibrant city of Cardiff, employees benefit from a rich cultural scene and a supportive community, making it an ideal place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow, Wales Centre for Public Policy in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Cardiff University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Cardiff University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow, Wales Centre for Public Policy in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Cardiff University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Cardiff University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Cardiff University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Cardiff University to drive research projects forward.
