Research Assistant/Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2028 in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant/Associate at the Bennett School of Public Policy (BSPP) in the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science. The start date for this role will be as soon as possible.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Bennett School of Public Policy (BSPP) at an early stage https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/. The BSPP, part of the Faculty of Human, Social and Political Science, has an ambitious growth plan including its new M.Phil in Digital Policy alongside an expanded M.Phil in Public Policy, and the development of a new PhD programme. It is led by its inaugural Director Professor Michael Kenny, Professor Diane Coyle, the Bennett Professor of Public Policy, and Professor Oliver Hauser.

The Bennett School of Public Policy is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate for a fixed-term post until 30th September 2028 working on a project, led by Professor Gordon Harold working with Professor Diane Coyle and Professor Qingyuan Zhao, in a University-wide partnership with KPMG. The project is exploring the role of wellbeing at work. More information about the partnership can be accessed here https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/kpmg-and-the-university-of-cambridge-unveil-new-partnership-to-reimagine-the-world-of-work-starting  This role in BSPP will explore the interaction of wellbeing and productivity. Applications from candidates with backgrounds in social sciences, or other equivalent disciplines, and experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, are welcome.

Applications from candidates with backgrounds in public policy, and with experience of engaging with external audiences, including policy-makers, are particularly welcome.

Candidates for the post of Research Assistant/Associate should have a PhD (submitted or nearly submitted at the time of application). All candidates should be able to demonstrate experience of relevant research methods and be able to provide evidence of potential for research and publication at the highest level, and a good understanding of the policy process.

Salary Ranges: Research Associate (Grade 7): £37,694 -£46,049. Those on an academic pathway who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5): £34,610 - £35,608) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

In order for applications to be considered applicants must upload:

• A covering letter (2 pages max), explaining the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role you are applying for
• A Curriculum Vitae (CV), to include full details of educational qualifications and academic experience, and a list of publications
• A recent writing sample (maximum 6,000 words).
• The contact details of two referees

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on 8th October 2026, and interviews are expected to take place shortly after.

Further information about the BSPP can be found at: https://www.bennettschool.cam.ac.uk/  

Applications should be made online. Applicants must provide the names and contact details of two referees who are familiar with their work.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply button above.

Enquiries about applications should be addressed to Gita Aminpour, recruitment@bennettschool.cam.ac.uk

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.