Research Associate

Research Associate

Cardiff Full-Time 35400 - 39600 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cardiff University

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to explore jellyfish rejuvenation through cutting-edge epigenomic profiling.
  • Company: Cardiff University is a leading institution dedicated to research and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and a supportive, diverse environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research with real-world impact in a collaborative culture.
  • Qualifications: PhD in a related field and strong experimental skills required.
  • Other info: Applications welcome in Welsh; secondment opportunities available.

The predicted salary is between 35400 - 39600 £ per year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Centre for Social Care and Artificial intelligence Learning (SCALE) and School of Computer Science and Informatics. SCALE is funded by Health and Care Research Wales and launched in April 2025 with aims to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence to address challenges in social care for children and adults. The Centre is a truly interdisciplinary collaboration between the School of Computer Science & Informatics (COMSC), the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE) and the Centre for Adult Social Care (CARE) (both based in the School of Social Sciences).

The post holder will conduct research within the Social Worker Evidence Engagement Tool (SWEET) Study, an exciting cross-disciplinary research project to explore the potential for harnessing Large Language Model technology to support practice in children’s social care, through collaboration with researchers in Artificial Intelligence, contributing to the overall research performance of the Centre, School and University, carrying out research leading to high-quality outputs, and supporting the development of applications for external funding. To provide knowledge of social care and social scientific methods and support for applying these into AI solutions. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

The successful candidate will be dedicated to finding creative solutions and have a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to work with a multi-disciplinary research team in computer science, as part of the SCALE centre.

This post is full-time at 1.0 FTE (35 hours per week) fixed term from 1 February 2026 until 31 January 2028.

Internal candidates are welcome to apply for this role as a secondment with their current line managers approval.

Salary: £41,064 per annum (Grade 6), with 4 annual increments up to £46,049 at the top of the scale.

The post holder will be responsible to Dr Fernando Alva Manchego.

For informal enquiries contact Fernando Alva Manchego (alvamanchegof@cardiff.ac.uk, Lecturer in NLP at COMSC) or Laura Thomas (thomasl136@cardiff.ac.uk, SCALE Centre Manager). Informal enquiries in relation to the recruitment / application process can be sent to Simon Hogg, HR Administrator – COMSC-HR@Cardiff.ac.uk.

Cardiff University has a successful School of Computer Science & Informatics with an international reputation for its teaching and research activities. We have seen a transformation of our research environment with the School almost doubling in size. We have moved into a new £39 million purpose-built facility shared with the School of Mathematics called Abacws, designed to facilitate interaction between disciplines and give our research groups new freedom to develop research culture and build identity. SCALE staff will work within the Social Science Research Park (SPARK) and Abacws. We are a research-led School with a longstanding, international reputation for applied research activities, and collaborate with more than 100 UK and international academic and industrial partners. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) 96% of our submitted research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The School delivers a stimulating portfolio of BSC and MSc degrees and offers research degrees leading to MPhil and PhD qualifications. For more information on the School please visit: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/computer-science.

Closing date: Friday, 17 April 2026

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

£41,064 per annum (Grade 6), with 4 annual increments up to £46,049 at the top of the scale.

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Research Associate employer: Cardiff University

Cardiff University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of biosciences. As a Research Associate, you will have access to cutting-edge research facilities and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to groundbreaking studies on jellyfish rejuvenation. The university's commitment to equality and diversity ensures a supportive environment where your unique skills and perspectives are valued.
Cardiff University

Contact Detail:

Cardiff University Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Associate

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest research in epigenetics and jellyfish rejuvenation. This will not only help you understand the project better but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews, showcasing your genuine interest and knowledge.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the field of epigenomics and synthetic biology. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet researchers and potentially get insights into the role and the team dynamics at Cardiff University.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on, as this will demonstrate your practical skills and how they align with the job requirements.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your passion for research and commitment to diversity and inclusion in your conversations. Cardiff University values these principles, so expressing your alignment with their mission can set you apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate

PhD in a related subject area (e.g. epigenetics, epigenomics, synthetic biology)
Strong experimental skills
Experience in DNA methylation analysis
Transcriptional analysis expertise
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques
Library preparation for NGS
Bioinformatic data analysis
Unbiased profiling approaches
Ability to create global epigenetic and transcriptional maps
Understanding of molecular mechanisms of rejuvenation
Strong analytical skills
Attention to detail
Effective communication skills
Team collaboration skills
Problem-solving abilities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in epigenetics, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly explains your motivation for applying to this position. Discuss your passion for research, particularly in the area of jellyfish rejuvenation, and how your background aligns with the project led by Dr Tomasz Jurkowski.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your experimental skills, especially in DNA methylation and transcriptional analysis. Mention any experience you have with library preparation and data analysis, as these are key components of the role.

Show Commitment to Diversity: Reflect Cardiff University's commitment to equality and diversity in your application. Share any experiences or perspectives that demonstrate your understanding of inclusivity and how you can contribute to a diverse working environment.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University

✨Know Your Research

Familiarise yourself with the latest research on jellyfish rejuvenation and epigenetics. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with the project led by Dr Tomasz Jurkowski, and think about how you can contribute to advancing their research efforts.

✨Highlight Relevant Experience

Make sure to emphasise any experience you have with next-generation sequencing, DNA methylation, and bioinformatics. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you successfully applied these skills, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.

✨Show Enthusiasm for Collaboration

Since the role involves working closely with MSc students and a computational biologist, express your enthusiasm for teamwork and collaboration. Share examples of how you've effectively worked in teams in the past and how you value diverse perspectives in research.

✨Prepare Questions

Have thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the lab's culture, future research directions, or opportunities for professional development. It shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.

Research Associate
Cardiff University
Location: Cardiff

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