Research Assistant

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

Contract: Up to 31/07/26

Hours: 28 per week

We are seeking a motivated and organised Research Assistant to support delivery of the Physical Activity Environment Policy Index (PA-EPI) in Wales — a national project that will benchmark existing physical activity policy and infrastructure and highlight opportunities for strengthened action. This seven-month, fixed-term post offers the chance to contribute to a high-profile piece of work that will inform strategic decision-making across government, public health, and partner organisations.

The role sits within the Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health and Sport (WIPAHS) — a national partnership between all eight higher education institutes across Wales and Sport Wales, working in collaboration with Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government. WIPAHS provides a supportive, interdisciplinary environment with strong links to policy and practice, offering excellent opportunities for professional development and meaningful impact.

As a Research Assistant, you will contribute to the collection and synthesis of evidence on policies that influence physical activity in Wales. You will review and summarise documentary evidence, support the organisation of project materials, and prepare resources for engagement activities. A central part of the role will involve coordinating stakeholder engagement with policymakers, practitioners, and sector specialists. This includes supporting evidence validation and rating exercises and assisting in the design and delivery of workshops that help prioritise actions across the PA-EPI domains. You will also contribute to drafting the final benchmarking report and associated outputs, such as executive summaries and policy briefs.

This role is well suited to someone with experience or strong interest in public health, physical activity, policy analysis, or systems approaches. You will be confident communicating with a range of partners, capable of synthesising complex information, and motivated by research that directly informs policy and practice at a national level.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.

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