Overview
Research Assistant, CASCADE at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd. The Cardiff University School of Social Sciences is seeking a part-time (60%, 21 hours per week), fixed-term Research Assistant to work within the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE).
In this role you will contribute to research in children’s social care and parental alcohol use, including conducting a rapid literature review, preparing and analysing administrative data sets housed within the SAIL Databank, and providing administrative support. This post is available immediately and is fixed term until 31 July 2027. Salary is £33,482 - £36,130 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 5), with annual increments up to the top of the grade.
Responsible to Professor Donald Forrester, CASCADE Centre Director. For informal discussion please contact Donald Forrester at Tel +44 29206 88724.
The recruiter is particularly interested in applicants with strong quantitative skills for real-world research. Cardiff University offers benefits including 45 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time staff), blended working, cycle to work scheme, and other arrangements. It is a vibrant environment with opportunities for progression.
Date advert posted: Friday, 12 September 2025
Closing date: Friday, 10 October 2025
Cardiff University is committed to equality, diversity and an inclusive working environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide flexible working or job share options where possible. Applications may be submitted in Welsh and will be treated equally to English.
Job Description
The following responsibilities and requirements apply to the Research Assistant role:
* To undertake research, e.g. by reviewing literature, preparing data, analysing data, writing up findings.
* Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners.
* To support public involvement activities.
* To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required.
* To contribute and support research funding bids as required.
* To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages.
* To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate.
* To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
* To provide support in research activities and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team.
* To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
Other
* To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work externally.
* To undergo personal and professional development appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
* To ensure confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
* To abide by University Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity policies.
* Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* A degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. social science, social work, social policy) or equivalent experience
* Knowledge and experience of quantitative research methods and techniques
* Experience using statistical software packages such as STATA, R, or others
* Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to enable development of applications
* Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately
* Proven communication skills, including presentations to various audiences
* Excellent organisational and team-working skills
* Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work
Desirable Criteria
* Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion/submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
* Experience using administrative data sets (e.g. The SAIL Databank)
* Evidence of collaborations with industry
* Proven ability to work without close supervision
* Adaptability to changing requirements of the Higher Education sector
Important: Evidencing Criteria
Cardiff University uses the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Evidence against all essential criteria must be provided, and where relevant, the desirable criteria as well. Please ensure your supporting statement corresponds with the numbered criteria. Include the vacancy reference number 20637BR in the file name of your supporting statement.
These criteria will be assessed at interview or by other means (e.g., a skills test).
Additional Information
Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre (CASCADE) is a leading centre for evaluative research in children’s social care in the UK, based within Cardiff University School of Social Sciences. Further details of the School’s activities can be found at the School homepage.
Salary Range: Min 33,482 to Max 36,130 per annum (pro rata for part-time), Job Category: Academic - Research, Grade: Grade 5.
Employment type: Part-time; Seniority level: Entry level; Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology; Industries: Higher Education.
#J-18808-Ljbffr