Cardiff University, a leading member of the Russell Group, offers a dynamic environment for academic and professional careers in higher education. Located in the capital city of Wales, United Kingdom, it attracts top talent with its world-class research facilities and commitment to excellence. Founded in 1883 and granted a royal charter in 1907, the university has grown into a powerhouse with over 33,000 students and renowned programs in medicine, engineering, law, and journalism. Jobs at Cardiff University span teaching, research, and administration, providing opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and educate the next generation.
The institution consistently ranks among the top 10 UK universities for research impact, as per the Research Excellence Framework (REF). Its strategic location in Cardiff, a vibrant coastal city, combines urban energy with natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for professional growth. Whether you're eyeing lecturer jobs or research associate positions, Cardiff emphasizes innovation and collaboration.
Academic roles at Cardiff University include lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, and professors, each with distinct responsibilities. Lecturers (equivalent to assistant professors in some systems) focus on teaching undergraduates, supervising projects, and building research profiles. Senior roles involve leading departments and securing funding. Administrative jobs cover HR, finance, and student services, while research positions support grant-funded projects in labs or field studies.
Recent hires have included experts in sustainable engineering and clinical trials, reflecting the university's priorities. Salaries are competitive, aligned with UK academic scales, with additional benefits like pension schemes and relocation support. For insights into various positions, explore university job types.
To help understand key terms in jobs at Cardiff University:
For faculty jobs at Cardiff University, a PhD in the relevant field is essential. In medicine or biosciences, candidates need MBBS or equivalent plus research doctorate. Engineering roles require PhD plus chartered status (e.g., CEng). Teaching-focused positions may accept master's with significant experience. Administrative senior roles often seek postgraduate qualifications in management or HR.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via IELTS (7.0+) or equivalent. The university values qualifications from accredited bodies, prioritizing those with interdisciplinary training.
Cardiff excels in health sciences (e.g., neuroscience, cancer research), sustainable development, and digital humanities. Current priorities include climate change via the Earth and Environmental Sciences school and AI in journalism. Expertise in grant capture from UKRI, Wellcome Trust, or Horizon Europe is crucial. Collaborative projects with NHS Wales highlight clinical research needs.
Emerging areas like quantum technologies and Welsh language studies offer niche opportunities. Successful candidates contribute to REF submissions, aiming for world-leading outputs.
Employers seek 3+ years postdoctoral experience for lecturer roles, with 10+ publications in high-impact journals (e.g., Nature, Lancet). Grant experience (£100k+) and teaching portfolios are preferred. For admin jobs, 5+ years in higher ed with project management certification (PMP) stands out.
International mobility, such as fellowships at Ivy League schools, boosts profiles. See Ivy League guide for context on global benchmarks.
Core skills include critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. Technical proficiencies vary: STEM roles demand MATLAB, Python; humanities need archival methods. Soft skills like leadership and adaptability are key for hybrid roles. Cardiff values digital literacy for online teaching post-pandemic.
Jobs are advertised on the university's vacancies page and platforms like jobs.ac.uk. Submit CV, cover letter, research statement, and references online. Interviews include presentations; research roles may have lab tours.
Actionable tips:
Cardiff holds Athena SWAN Silver across schools, Stonewall Diversity Champion status, and Race Equality Charter Bronze. The EDI team runs unconscious bias training, mentoring for underrepresented groups, and flexible recruitment. Recent initiatives include the Global Majority Staff Network and gender pay audits showing progress toward parity. They exceed sector averages in ethnic diversity hires.
Cardiff supports balance with 35-hour weeks, 30+ days annual leave, sabbaticals, and hybrid working. Wellness includes EAP counseling, gym discounts, and childcare vouchers. Campus spans 53 acres with state-of-the-art labs, library, and arts center. Proximity to Cardiff Bay offers surfing, festivals, and rugby. Staff clubs foster community; professional development via PGCertHE and leadership programs. The city's low cost of living (£1,200/month rent) aids affordability.
Explore postdoctoral success tips for thriving here.
Jobs at Cardiff University blend prestige, impact, and support in a top UK setting. From higher ed jobs to specialized research, opportunities abound. Leverage higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job to connect. Ready to advance? Cardiff awaits innovative minds.
