Social Researcher

Overview

The Scottish Government invites applications for two Social Researcher positions within the Census 2031 Collection Instruments team at National Records of Scotland. These four-year fixed-term roles involve leading the development and testing of questions for Scotland’s next Census, including coordinating input from experts, quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and questionnaire design.

The roles offer exposure to a wide range of activities including supporting Census evaluation, gaining insights from field and contact centre operations, and contributing to parliamentary committee processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead one or more topic areas such as housing or language, overseeing expert contributions.
• Manage and quality assure outputs from external question-testing contractors.
• Collaborate with statisticians, user researchers, policy and communications experts, government colleagues, and statistical agencies.
• Build productive relationships with external stakeholders and the research community to inform decision making.
• Commission and oversee external social research projects.
• Carry out internal social research using both qualitative and quantitative methods, including literature reviews, interviews, and focus groups.
• Advise non-research colleagues on research methods and ethics.
• Prepare timely and accurate briefings and contribute meaningfully to the Social Research Group’s objectives and evidence-informed policymaking.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

• Existing Government Social Research (GSR) members or candidates who meet GSR entry requirements. Non-members must pass an online knowledge test before applications proceed.
• Experience in social research techniques, managing research projects from design through delivery, write-up and dissemination.
• Ability to critically examine data and research evidence with attention to detail.
• Professional social research skills at Research Officer level, aligned with the Government Social Research Technical Framework.
• Demonstrated behaviors: adaptability and continual improvement, effective decision making, and strong communication and influencing.

Additional Information

The Scottish Government offers robust support for career development, promoting learning and skill enhancement. The working pattern includes 35 hours per week with flexibility and a hybrid approach aiming for 40% in-person attendance at an office or agreed location.

Applicants require current and ongoing right to work in the UK; skilled worker sponsorship is not provided.

Security clearance at SC level, including meeting UK residency requirements, and baseline personnel security checks, are mandatory.

A reserve list will be maintained for 12 months to fill similar roles in the Scottish Government or affiliated agencies.

An online candidate information session is scheduled for August 6, providing insights into the recruitment and assessment process.

The selection process includes interviews, oral briefing exercises, and presentations.

Equality and Diversity

The Scottish Government is committed to diversity, inclusion and providing reasonable adjustments for applicants who require them.