Research Assistant/ Research Associate [Temporary Cover]
About Us
The University of Cambridge is one of the world's leading academic institutions, renowned for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. For nearly 800 years, we've been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries, shaping global knowledge across diverse fields. We boast 31 Colleges, over 150 faculties and departments, and a thriving ecosystem of museums, libraries, and research centres.
At Cambridge, our mission is to contribute to society through world-class education, learning, and research. With a deep respect for tradition and a bold vision for the future, we continue to shape the world through knowledge, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
We are now looking for a Research Assistant / Research Associate to join us on a full-time basis for a six month fixed-term contract to cover a period of maternity leave.
The Benefits
- Salary of £34,610 - £46,049 per annum
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Generous maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement and other family-friendly schemes (e.g. workplace nurseries)
- An auto-enrolment pension scheme, with a generous employer contribution
- University Staff Counselling Service
- Travel benefits and retail discounts at over 2,000 local and national stores
- Schemes to support relocation
- Development opportunities
The Role
As a Research Assistant / Research Associate, you will support the delivery of applied research projects focused on early childhood development and early intervention.
You will contribute to the planning, co-ordination and day-to-day running of studies, supporting activities such as study design, recruitment, data collection and analysis.
Working closely with academic leads and external partners, you will help ensure research is delivered effectively across community, education and health settings.
You will also engage with stakeholders, including local authorities, third sector organisations and families, contributing to co-production activities and helping translate research into meaningful insights and outputs.
Additionally, you will:
- Maintain accurate data management and ensure compliance with regulations
- Contribute to reports, presentations and research outputs
- Act as a point of contact for project enquiries
- Travel to study sites as required
About You
To be considered as a Research Assistant / Research Associate, you will need:
- Evidence of interest in the research topic (early intervention or parent-child relationships) or research methodologies (implementation science, rapid research evaluation, co-production, or knowledge mobilisation and policy engagement)
- Experience delivering, managing or supporting research projects in applied research contexts (early years, education, mental health, or social care)
- Experience developing, implementing or contributing to mixed-method research studies
- Knowledge of mixed methods research methodologies, coproduction, and complex data analysis
- An understanding of research governance, ethics, and data protection/data management and workplace confidentiality requirements
- A PhD degree (or be close to completion) in developmental psychology or a closely related field, or equivalent experience
Where the successful applicant does not yet hold a PhD, they will be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5) in a Research Associate post.
This role requires a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.
Other organisations may call this role Research Officer, Research Analyst, Research and Data Analyst, Research and Insight Officer, Research Co-ordinator, Research Fellow, Research Support Officer, or Research Project Assistant.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Christine O'Farrelly via cmo41@cam.ac.uk
If you have any questions about the application process, or have any difficulties with applying for the vacancy, please contact the Faculty of Education HR team at hr@educ.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference JR49514 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Key information
Department/location
Salary
£34,610 - £35,608
£37,694 - £46,049
Reference
JR49514
Category
Date published
24 April 2026
Closing date
10 May 2026
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