Overview
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 a unique opportunity 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.
The post will be located in the Bennett School of Public Policy, supported by the School of the Humanities and Social Sciences. The BSPP 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.
Responsibilities
This role involves 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. The Research Assistant / Associate will work on producing policy materials and providing support to policy response and knowledge transfer activities.
Key duties include:
* Delivering rapid response and in-depth policy briefings for national, regional, and local policy engagement.
* Supporting consultations and commissioned research, including timely responses to public consultations and policy reviews.
* Organising policy engagement events and roundtables in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
* Contributing to the strategic development of the Bennett School's knowledge function.
Applications from candidates with backgrounds in public policy and related disciplines, and experience engaging with external audiences including policymakers, are particularly welcome.
Qualifications
Candidates for the post of Research Associate should normally have a PhD (submitted or near submission at the time of application) in a relevant field, or, for candidates without a PhD, substantial and demonstrable research skills (academic or professional) reflecting equivalent research capability. All candidates should demonstrate experience with relevant research methods and evidence of potential for research and publication at the highest level, and a good understanding of the policy process.
Salary (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 PhD award confirmation.
How to Apply
Click the 'Apply' button to register an account with the recruitment system and apply online. In order for your application to be considered, please upload the following documents:
* A covering letter (2 pages max) explaining the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the role requirements
* A Curriculum Vitae (CV) with full educational qualifications and academic experience, and a list of publications
* A recent writing sample (maximum 10,000 words)
* Contact details of two referees
Closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 10 October 2025; interviews are expected to take place shortly after. For further information about the BSPP, see: https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/
Applications should be made online. Applicants must provide the names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with their work. 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.
Other information
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Education Management
Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
Apply online
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