Post Reference

5469BR
Number
Job Title

Research Assistant

School /
Directorate

CARBS - Cardiff Business School

Advert

Research Assistant
Wales Public Services 2025
Cardiff Business School
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding researcher to
contribute to a programme of work which generates authoritative
and independent analysis of the fiscal, economic and policy
challenges facing public services in Wales.
The successful applicant will have opportunities to contribute to
publication in high quality journals and achieve a significant impact
on policy decisions. For some projects, they will work closely with
the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Hosted by Cardiff Business School,
Wales Public Services 2025 is a unique partnership between Cardiff
University and five national bodies.
The Wales Public Services 2025 team is based in Cardiff Business
School but location and working arrangements are flexible and the
University welcomes proposals for a PhD student on an interruption
of study basis.
This is a full time (35 hours per week), fixed term post that is
available from 1st January 2017 until 31st July 2018.
Salary: 25,769 - 30738 per annum (Grade 5)
.
It is anticipated that an appointment will not be made above
26,537 per annum, point 24.
Date advertised posted: 28th November, 2016
Closing date: 15th December, 2016
Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to
close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be
received
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting
equality and diversity. Our inclusive environment welcomes
applications from talented people from diverse backgrounds.

Job Description Main function of post

The post holder will contribute to the work of the Wales Public
Services 2025 Programme by assisting a Research Associate in
conducting and presenting fiscal and economic analysis of future
public spending and its implications for public service change and
reform in Wales. The Programme is hosted by Cardiff Business
School but, as part of their professional development, the post
holder may undertake work with the Institute for Fiscal Studies in
London and have the opportunity to work alongside its staff.
The post holders key outputs will include contributing to in-depth
studies for publication in peer reviewed journals which will
contribute both to their career development and to the Universitys
and Business School pursuit of research excellence and impact.
Other outputs will include contributing to written commentaries and
presentations analysing key UK and devolved government fiscal
and financial decisions, such as annual budgets.
Location and working arrangements may be flexible, and
applications from current or recent successful doctoral students or
on a secondment basis are welcomed.
Key Duties
Supporting the Research Associate in undertaking fiscal,
economic and policy research and analysis as part of the Wales
Public Services 2025 programme.
To help design, conduct, write-up and present the research. The
outputs of the programme will include;
a) in-depth studies on specific issues for publication through
articles in academic and practitioner journals and,
b) observations and commentary on UK and Welsh Government
fiscal and financial plans and policies directed at policy-makers and
the media.
Support the presentation of research findings to external audiences
at events and through the media
Contributing to the analysis of the scale of the fiscal and
demographic challenges facing public services in Wales and
exploring potential policy responses. Its purpose is to provide
analysis for politicians, policy-makers, public service leaders and
civil society that can inform developments in policy and practice
that improve the funding, design and delivery of public services.
To participate in networks both internally and externally to the
university, to influence decisions, explore future research
requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research
projects
Contribute to the intellectual life of Cardiff Business School, for
example through informal discussions with colleagues, participation
in internal seminars and sharing research findings.
Build professional relationships with peer economic researchers
and with leading organisations in the field.

 Work closely with a range of leading UK and Welsh think tanks,

such as the Public Policy Institute for Wales, the Health Foundation
and the Institute for Fiscal Studies, as well as national public
bodies.
To support Wales Public Services 2025 Programme in continuing
to achieve significant impact among policy makers.
General Duties
Contribute to development of the wider work of the Programme.
To undergo personal and professional development that is
appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.
Person
Specification

Essential Criteria
1. Good communication and inter-personal skills, including
presentation to various audiences.
2. An understanding of research methods and an ability to interpret
and communicate research findings.
3. Excellent organisational skills including the ability to assist with
the design, organisation and facilitation of seminars, workshops and
other events.
4. The ability to conduct rapid reviews of evidence from secondary
sources.
5. The ability to conduct basic data analysis.
6. A good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or with
equivalent relevant experience.
7. Excellent team-working skills and a demonstrable ability to work
on your own initiative and to prioritise tasks.
Desirable Criteria
1. An interest in public policy and knowledge of contemporary
public policy issues in Wales.
2. A demonstrable commitment to personal professional
development
3. Experience of managing, conducting and/or using research - in
the public sector, higher education, a research organisation, think
tank or similar setting.
4. A relevant Masters Degree or PhD (or evidence of significant
progress to a PhD) or equivalent research experience.
5. Experience of undertaking quantitative analysis
6. The ability to communicate effectively in Welsh.

Additional
Information

Wales Public Services 2025 provides authoritative and independent analysis of

the fiscal, economic and policy challenges facing public services in
Wales. Hosted by Cardiff Business School, the Programme is co-funded by
Cardiff University and five national bodies in Wales (the Welsh Local
Government Association, the Wales Council for Voluntary Action, SOLACE
Wales, Community Housing Cymru, and the NHS Wales Confederation). It
works closely with a range of leading UK and Welsh think tanks, such as the
Public Policy Institute for Wales, the Health Foundation and the Institute for
Fiscal Studies, as well as national public bodies.

Its work to date has achieved significant impact among policy makers. Building
on this, the programme is analysing the scale of the fiscal and demographic
challenges facing public services in Wales and exploring potential policy
responses. Its purpose is to provide analysis for politicians, policy-makers, public
service leaders and civil society that can inform developments in policy and
practice that improve the funding, design and delivery of public services.
The programme will work closely with but remain independent of policy makers
and public service leaders including devolved and central government.

Job Category

Academic - Research

Salary Range
Min.

26,052

Salary Range
Max.

30,175

Grade

Grade 5