Research Assistant University​/Third Research Partnerships

Research Assistant [University/Third Sector Research Partnerships]

Temporary Ongoing Requirement (regular weekly work)

SPARK is the world’s first social science research park, co-locating world-leading social science researchers with private sector companies, public sector bodies, third sector organisations and local community organisations, working towards a common social purpose. The common social purpose is to create a wiser society – to help individuals, communities and organisations understand and develop solutions to the challenges it faces in ways that also contribute to fairer and more equitable outcomes.

We are recruiting a Research Assistant to support key projects that advance our research culture and civic engagement goals. The student will be supported and managed by SPARK Research Fellow, Dr Anna Skeels.

This qualitative research project aims to investigate the role of the ‘civic university’ in relation to the Third Sector through a focus on Cardiff University and the SPARK Third Sector Research Partnership (TRSP). It will explore the enablers and challenges of university/Third Sector research collaboration and the outcomes of the SPARK Third Sector Research Partnership and its implications for equitable engagement for the academics and Third Sector organisations involved.

• Attend an initial briefing, and develop a work plan
• Conduct desk-based research on university / Third Sector research collaboration in the UK
• Prepare and submit a research ethics application for the research
• Conduct semi-structured interviews with Cardiff University staff and Third Sector organisations
• Code and analyse primary data
• Produce a first-stage write-up of findings
• Participate in regular meetings and tasks with research team as required

• Working toward a degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience
• A good understanding of the topic selected
• A proven ability to do desk-based research and conduct interviews (where required/relevant to the project) and produce clear outputs at quality
• Postgraduate degree at MSC or PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area
• Experience/knowledge of one or more of the research areas listed above
• Experience of using Nvivo or equivalent software package

Important information for working through Jobshop:

Please note, this advert may come down early if there are a high volume of applications. If you are interested in this role, we recommend you apply as soon as possible.

All students who undertake work through Jobshop must complete a Right to Work check before starting any paid work or work-related training. We will contact successful candidates regarding this. To find out more about Right to Work please contact [email protected].

Students are eligible to work through Jobshop for 3‑month post their end of studies date (usually noted on their student /proof of enrolment letter), providing all Right to Work documents (such as visas) are still in date. Please only apply if you are eligible to work for the entirety of the role.

If you are on an hour‑limited visa, it is your responsibility to ensure you do not exceed the working‑hour restriction Monday – Sunday, each week. This is a legal restriction that must be adhered to for work completed both within and outside of Jobshop.

Temporary Ongoing Requirement (regular weekly work)

Temporary Short‑Term Requirement (12 weeks or less)

Temporary Ongoing Requirement (regular weekly work)