Senior Research Assistant - NCSR
| Posting date: | 30 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,610.00 to £39,906.00 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 13 February 2026 |
| Location: | Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | University of South Wales |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: |
Summary
The National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Research (NCSR), led by Swansea University in collaboration with Cardiff University, the University of South Wales, and The Samaritans, will revolutionise suicide and self-harm prevention by translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact. With a cross-government and cross-sectoral focus, the Centre will drive innovative research, foster collaboration across disciplines, and build research capacity to develop evidence-based strategies for suicide and self-harm prevention. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering initiative that will transform research, strengthen partnerships, and enhance the evidence base for effective prevention.
Based at Pontypridd, this role will be located within the Addictions Research Group (a part of the Applied Psychology Research and Innovation Group): https://pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/organisations/applied-psychology-research-and-innovation-group/
The focus for this post will be to 1) contribute to the evidence base on polydrug use, mental health and risk of suicide and self-harm with a particular focus on co-occurring cocaine and alcohol use; 2) expand our existing network of research partners in substance use and mental health; and 3) develop funding bids.
For an informal conversation about this post please contact Prof Gareth Roderique-Davies (gareth.rdavies@southwales.ac.uk): https://pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/persons/gareth-roderique-davies
If you are a successful candidate and this position will be your first professional services role at the USW (or you are currently employed by PSS Ltd), you will be employed by Professional and Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of South Wales, which provides services to the University and Colleges.
Discover the advantages of working with us at USW: http://tiny.cc/PSSatUSW
USW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All those working at the University are expected to share this commitment.
We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment. Where colleagues can be themselves and every person is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities, especially with regards to age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and religion and/or belief. We benchmark our success through equality accreditations with Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Stonewall and Disability Confident.
If you’re a Welsh learner or a Welsh speaker, we’d be delighted to receive your application. At USW, you’ll have access to Welsh courses to enable you to develop your Welsh skills further, in order to provide a bilingual service to our students, colleagues and the public.
We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Applications in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than those made in English.
Based at Pontypridd, this role will be located within the Addictions Research Group (a part of the Applied Psychology Research and Innovation Group): https://pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/organisations/applied-psychology-research-and-innovation-group/
The focus for this post will be to 1) contribute to the evidence base on polydrug use, mental health and risk of suicide and self-harm with a particular focus on co-occurring cocaine and alcohol use; 2) expand our existing network of research partners in substance use and mental health; and 3) develop funding bids.
For an informal conversation about this post please contact Prof Gareth Roderique-Davies (gareth.rdavies@southwales.ac.uk): https://pure.southwales.ac.uk/en/persons/gareth-roderique-davies
If you are a successful candidate and this position will be your first professional services role at the USW (or you are currently employed by PSS Ltd), you will be employed by Professional and Support Services Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of South Wales, which provides services to the University and Colleges.
Discover the advantages of working with us at USW: http://tiny.cc/PSSatUSW
USW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All those working at the University are expected to share this commitment.
We are committed to employing a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment. Where colleagues can be themselves and every person is treated with dignity, fairness and respect. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and communities, especially with regards to age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race and religion and/or belief. We benchmark our success through equality accreditations with Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Stonewall and Disability Confident.
If you’re a Welsh learner or a Welsh speaker, we’d be delighted to receive your application. At USW, you’ll have access to Welsh courses to enable you to develop your Welsh skills further, in order to provide a bilingual service to our students, colleagues and the public.
We welcome applications in Welsh and English. Applications in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than those made in English.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.