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- Tasks: Support policy engagement and produce impactful research at the new Bennett School of Public Policy.
- Company: Join the innovative Bennett School of Public Policy at Cambridge University.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to shape public policy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by translating academic insights into high-impact policy contributions.
- Qualifications: PhD or substantial research skills in relevant fields; experience with policy engagement is a plus.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 46049 £ per year.
Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)
Funding is available for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of a further two years funding. Applications are invited for a Research Associate at the new Bennett School of Public Policy (BSPP) in the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science. The start date for this role will be January 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Bennett School of Public Policy (BSPP) at its inception https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/. The BSPP, part of the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science, has an ambitious growth plan including launching a new M.Phil in Digital Policy alongside an expanded M.Phil in Public Policy, and the development of a new PhD programme. It is led by its inaugural Director Professor Michael Kenny and Professor Diane Coyle, the Bennett Professor of Public Policy.
The newly established Bennett School of Public Policy is seeking an early‑career policy or research professional to support policy response and knowledge transfer activities within the new school and to play a vital role in enhancing the School\’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively to opportunities for policy engagement and impact. This is a unique opportunity to support the delivery of rapid and deep‑dive policy briefings, consultation responses, and commissioned research, helping translate cutting‑edge academic insights into high‑impact policy contributions at national, regional, and local levels. This position, initially for three years, offers an excellent opportunity for a researcher with a background in relevant disciplines and a keen interest in the intersection between academia and policymaking. Applications from candidates with backgrounds in public policy and any associated disciplines, and with experience of engaging with external audiences, including policy‑makers, are particularly welcome.
The post will be located in the Bennett School of Public Policy, supported by the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The Research Assistant/Associate will work on producing \’rapid response\’ and \’deep dive\’ policy briefings on current policy topics, often in collaboration with interdisciplinary academic teams; consultations and commissioned research, including timely responses to public consultations, Parliamentary inquiries and policy reviews; engagement and collaboration, including the organisation of roundtable and policy engagement events; and the ongoing strategic development of the Bennett School\’s knowledge function.
Candidates for the post of Research Associate should normally have a PhD (submitted or nearly submitted at the time of application) in a relevant field, or, for candidates without a PhD, substantial and demonstrable research skills (academic or professional) that reflect equivalent research capability. All candidates should be able to demonstrate some experience of relevant research methods and be able to provide evidence of potential for research and publication at the highest level, and a good understanding of the policy process.
Salary Ranges: Research Associate (Grade 7): £37,694 – £46,049. Those on an academic pathway who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5): £34,610 – £35,608, moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.
To apply, please register and apply online. The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 17 October 2025 and interviews are expected to take place shortly after. Applications should be made online. Applicants must provide the names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with their work.
The application package must include:
- A covering letter (2 pages max), explaining the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role you are applying for
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV), to include full details of educational qualifications and academic experience, and a list of publications
- A recent writing sample (maximum 10,000 words)
- The contact details of two referees
Please quote reference JB47263 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under‑represented at this level in our department. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
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Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term) employer: Mctd
Contact Detail:
Mctd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in your field! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. We want to see how you can contribute to the team, so prepare some examples of your work that demonstrate your expertise in policy and research.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is key! Research the Bennett School of Public Policy and think about how your background fits into their mission. We suggest practising common interview questions and preparing thoughtful questions to ask them too.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow the application process closely.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to explain why you're excited about the role at the Bennett School of Public Policy and how your skills align with what they're looking for. Keep it concise, but let your passion for policy and research come through!
Showcase Your CV: When putting together your CV, highlight your educational qualifications and any relevant experience. Don’t forget to include your publications! We want to see how your background makes you a great fit for this role, so tailor it to reflect that.
Select the Right Writing Sample: Choose a writing sample that showcases your research skills and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. It should ideally relate to public policy or a similar field, demonstrating your capability to contribute to the school’s mission.
Get Your Referees Ready: Make sure your referees are familiar with your work and can speak to your skills and experiences. It's a good idea to give them a heads-up about the application so they’re prepared to provide a glowing reference when we reach out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mctd
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest research and policy developments relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the Bennett School of Public Policy's initiatives and how your background aligns with their goals. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Prepare Your Examples
Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your research skills and ability to engage with policymakers. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to policy briefings or consultations, as this will highlight your practical experience and relevance to the position.
✨Understand the Policy Process
Brush up on your understanding of the policy-making process, especially how academic insights can influence policy decisions. Being able to articulate this connection will impress the interviewers and show that you’re not just a researcher but someone who can make an impact in the real world.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the future direction of the Bennett School. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. It’s a two-way street, and you want to ensure it’s a match!