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Please note that this job is open only to current members of staff of Cardiff University who are eligible for redeployment.

Internal Redeployment Only - Research Assistant

Cardiff University's School of Geography and Planning seeks to appoint up to two part-time (0.5 FTE) Research Assistants to make a significant contribution to the major Horizon Europe/UKRI-funded project, Transparency solutions for transforming the food system (TITAN).

Coordinated by the International Life Sciences Institute Europe (ILSI), TITAN is an ambitious international project involving 28 partners. Cardiff University leads a key work package on 'Enabling policy solutions for transparent food supply chains'. This work explores how policy tools can enable or constrain food system transparency, especially considering how new technologies (like AI, Blockchain, and the Internet of Things) might require new forms of policymaking.

The successful candidates will join the project to contribute directly to its key final outputs. Responsibilities will focus on conducting new academic and policy literature reviews and synthesising these findings with existing project data. You will then co-author the project's main deliverables: a series of Policy Briefings and a final Consensus Policy Roadmap. You will also support the organisation of project workshops and help communicate findings to academic and key stakeholder audiences.

We are looking for candidates with a postgraduate degree in a relevant social science (e.g., Human Geography, Food Studies, Science and Technology Studies) and a strong understanding of qualitative research methods. You will need proven analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to work effectively within a team. Expertise in areas such as food policy, sustainable food systems, food justice, or food system traceability/transparency would be a significant advantage. Candidates with, or nearing completion of, a PhD in a relevant field are particularly encouraged to apply.

For more information on the project, please visit: www.titanproject.eu. Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Christopher Bear (bearck@cardiff.ac.uk).

This post is part-time (17.5 hours per week) and fixed term from 1 February 2026 to the 31 August 2026.

Salary: £33,951 - £36,636 per annum, pro-rata for hours worked (Grade 5)

It is Cardiff University's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Therefore, candidates must evidence they meet ALL the essential criteria and, where relevant, the desirable.

As part of the application process, you are asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined in the person specification. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide for each criterion.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure you name it with the vacancy reference number.

Closing date: Thursday, 4 December 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.

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

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

Job Description

To contribute to international research and analysis on the role of policy tools in enabling food system transparency, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research and the communication of findings to key stakeholders. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To conduct research within food policy, specifically on the potential for new technologies (AI, Blockchain, Internet of Things) to enhance transparency in food supply chains - e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of field work, desktop research and questionnaires.
• Actively participate within a research team, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners.
• 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 guidance to other members of staff within the research team.
• To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature (academic, policy and practitioner) within the area.

Other

• 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.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1. A postgraduate degree at Masters level in a relevant social science discipline (e.g. Human Geography; Food Studies; Science and Technology Studies; Sociology).

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

1. Knowledge of research methods and techniques within specialist field (e.g. focus groups, semi-structured interviews, online surveys).

1. Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately (e.g. through literature review and qualitative coding of research materials).

Communication and Team Working

1. Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences.

1. Excellent organisational and team-working skills.

Other

1. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work

Desirable Criteria

1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related social science subject area (e.g. Human Geography; Food Studies; Science and Technology Studies; Sociology).

1. Evidence of expertise within one or more of the following research fields:
   • Food policy and/or governance
   • Sustainable food systems
   • Traceability/transparency in food supply chains
   • Food justice
   • Adoption of new technologies (including Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, or Internet of Things) in the food system

1. Evidence of collaborations with industry, or with public or third sector organisations.
2. Ability to speak the main language of an EU Member State.
3. Proven ability to work without close supervision.
4. Proven ability to publish in national journals.

Cardiff University is a public research university located in Cardiff, Wales providing undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across a broad subject range.