Internal - Research Associate - Wales Centre Public Policy; Maternity Cover

Internal Applicants Only – Research Associate (maternity cover)

The Wales Centre for Public Policy is pleased to invite applications for maternity cover (up to 12 months) as a Research Associate to conduct research on the use of evidence in policy‑making and practices of evidence mobilisation. You will work alongside experienced researchers in the Centre on studies that help to inform its approach to working with public services and the Welsh Government and assess its impact.

This post offers a unique opportunity to conduct research that will contribute directly to the growing academic literature on evidence‑informed policy as well as working on exciting projects commissioned by the Welsh Government and/or public services that respond to their evidence needs. The successful candidate will broaden their understanding of key academic debates in these areas working within a Centre that is acknowledged to be at the leading edge of both research and practice in the field.

You must have a good understanding of public policy and the ability to work directly with public service leaders. With a commitment to high quality, policy‑relevant research, we expect you to have excellent communication and organisational skills and be able to disseminate the findings of the research to external audiences.

Co‑funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and Welsh Government, the Wales Centre for Public Policy bridges the gap between academia and policy makers/practitioners by generating, synthesising and mobilising evidence from research. The Centre has more than 25 full‑time staff drawn from a range of backgrounds – including academia, the civil service, health service, local government, think tanks, and the voluntary sector.

It is a member of the What Works Network, was a finalist in the prestigious ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize, and is recognised internationally for its pioneering, demand‑led approach to evidence use and knowledge mobilisation. Further details are available at

The Centre provides a stimulating and supportive working environment with flexible working arrangements; a generous pension scheme and a range of other benefits; a wealth of training opportunities; and offices in the world’s first Social Science Research Park (SPARK), located on Cardiff’s £300 million Innovation Campus.

This fixed‑term maternity cover post is part‑time (17.5 hours per week, 0.5 fte), available from 24 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter and for a period of up to 12 months or until 23 August 2027. The university will consider applications which propose a secondment.

Salary: £41,064 – £46,049 per annum, pro rata for hours worked (Grade 6).

Closing date:
Wednesday, 22 July 2026.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.

We especially welcome and encourage applications from those from under‑represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT+, ethnic minority or those with disabilities. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job‑share arrangements.

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

Mae’n bleser gan Ganolfan Polisi Cyhoeddus Cymru wahodd ceisiadau i gyflenwi yn ystod cyfnod mamolaeth (hyd at 12 mis) fel Cydymaith Ymchwil i gynnal ymchwil ar y defnydd o dystiolaeth wrth lunio polisïau ac arferion gweithredu tystiolaeth. Byddwch yn gweithio ochr yn ochr ag ymchwilwyr profiadol yn y Ganolfan ar astudiaethau sy’n helpu i lywio ei dull o…