Research Assistant

Advert

Research Assistant
Division of Population Medicine
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

This post will support a brand-new MRC NIHR funded grant called RAPID-Involve within the Division of Population Medicine at Cardiff University (“Understanding best practices for enabling purposeful public involvement and capturing public impact in rapid evidence research”).

Based on principles of high-quality patient and public involvement, this study aims to work out how we can best support our public partners in rapid research environments. The study will employ realist literature review, survey, qualitative, and co-production methodologies. The post-holder will be an active member of the RAPID-Involve study group and will be responsible for supporting the research team in the following tasks across the different methodologies: setting-up, participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis, write-up, and producing infographics and presentations. They will also support the team to develop relevant ethical and governance approval documents, and activities associated with project management. 

The post-holder will work within the Division of Population Medicine, based at the University Hospital Wales. They will also work closely with staff at the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre. They will have opportunities for personal and career development, with access to various Cardiff University training programmes, Academic Meeting series, excellent mentorship opportunities, and tailored training from the project team to meet project needs. 

The post-holder will also contribute to the overall research record of the School and University, supporting and contributing to research leading to publications in high quality academic journals and impact, pursuing excellence in research and inspiring others to do the same.

Informal enquiries about the role should be directed to: Dr Natalie Joseph-Williams (Reader in Improving Patient Care and Associate Director of the Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre): josephnj1@cardiff.ac.uk.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), available immediately and available until 30 September 2027.

Salary £33,482 - £36,130 per annum (Grade 5)
Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances

The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

Date advert posted: Tuesday, 1 July 2025

Closing date: Tuesday, 15 July 2025

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.  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.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University   

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

Job Description

Main function 
To contribute to research using mainly qualitative methods focusing on public involvement, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of qualitative research and surveys. 
• 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
• Coordinate and lead on the administrative aspects of research
• 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 resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
• To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes 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.

• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
1.    A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    Knowledge of qualitative research methods and techniques 

3.    Knowledge of public involvement and engagement in research 

4.    Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately

5.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to support the development of applications to funding bodies  

Communication and Team Working
6.    Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences

7.    Excellent organisational and team-working skills

Other
8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team working within work

Desirable Criteria

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience

2.    Evidence of collaborations with industry.

3.     Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
It is the School of Medicine's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.
Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 20141BR. 

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic - Research