At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research and develop innovative policy ideas in tech and media.
- Company: Join Demos, a leading think tank dedicated to upgrading democracy in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, enhanced pension, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in shaping policies that influence democracy and information ecosystems.
- Qualifications: Experience in research or policy, strong communication skills, and a passion for social change.
The predicted salary is between 36093 - 40166 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: £36,093 – £40,166, negotiable based on skills and experience
Location: Whitehall, Greater London (Hybrid)
Line manager: Associate Director (Information Ecosystems)
Application deadline: 10th August, 9am.
The Demos Digital team is currently going through an exciting period of significant expansion, where we will be recruiting a number of additional roles in our team at a range of levels. Demos is Britain’s leading cross-party think tank producing research and policies that have been adopted by successive governments for nearly 30 years. Our overarching mission is to upgrade democracy in the UK and build a system powered by trusting relationships, information and technology, fit for our times.
Demos’s dedicated digital research hub – Demos Digital – is a centre of excellence in digital policy and is home to the Resilient Information Ecosystems pillar and the thread of Trustworthy Technology. Our team’s recent work has covered AI chatbot ‘electoral hallucinations’ and political deepfakes, growing risks around new forms of digital foreign interference in the UK’s democracy, mapping AI–exacerbated information crises, and the culminating challenges driving a fragmentation in the UK around information and social consensus.
We are looking for a brilliant Senior Researcher with demonstrable experience and/or interest in tech and media policy to join our digital policy team. As a Senior Researcher, your duties will include, but not be limited to:
- Independently writing high-quality policy papers, blogs and other outputs for a range of audiences and beginning to develop your individual profile.
- Using your experience in policy and/or research and understanding of the UK political environment to develop new and pertinent policy ideas.
- Project managing at least one project, whilst supporting other multiple projects simultaneously.
- Conducting high quality desk research and literature reviews to inform policy development.
- Confidently using qualitative and quantitative methods to undertake original research with the public and experts to inform evidence-based policy recommendations.
- Contributing actively to the development of new project proposals and participating in fundraising meetings.
- Nurturing and strengthening your existing relationships with potential partners relevant to your interests and work.
- Contributing to and in some cases leading the design and delivery of Demos Digital events (e.g. roundtables, workshops, network meetings and panel events) with Parliamentarians, experts and industry stakeholders.
You might be excited about this role if you are passionate about conducting high-quality research in order to develop and advocate for policy ideas that will influence policy makers in Whitehall, Westminster and beyond. You want to independently write reports, briefings and blogs that clearly communicate and make the argument for your and our team’s policy ideas to a wide audience. You’re ready to strengthen and use your policy knowledge and networks relating to issues at the intersection and forefront of tech and media policy.
This role might not be for you if you have hard ‘redlines’ on who you engage with in your work. We are guided by a long-term strategy, but highly responsive to political opportunities in order to have the most impact. The types of experience and skills we are looking for include the below. We welcome a range of applications which include at least some of these attributes.
- Excellent desk research and literature review skills
- Confident ability to analyse complex information to develop clear policy ideas and analysis
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage your own time and that of other Researchers/ Trainee Researchers efficiently while contributing to multiple projects
- Ability to independently conduct the design and delivery of qualitative and quantitative research
- An interest in how policymaking works at community, local, national or international level and in building relationships with influential figures and key decision-makers in tech and media policy
At Demos, we recognise, celebrate and promote the positive contributions that are made by diverse groups. We exist to proactively tackle social and economic exclusion, and engaging with and promoting the voices of people whose voices may not otherwise be heard is core to our work. We believe that this should be reflected in our team and we strongly encourage applications from people from minority ethnic communities, people with disabilities, or others with lived experience of disadvantage.
What we offer:
- Generous leave entitlement: 27 days + Bank holidays + 3 additional days off between Christmas and New Year
- Enhanced pension contribution: 6%
- Enhanced parental leave
- A forward-thinking, supportive and collaborative team
- Staff wellbeing as a key priority
Please get in touch at jobs@demos.co.uk if you require any adjustments to be able to engage with our recruitment process.
If you have any further questions or aren’t sure if the role is right for you, please feel free to reach out to us by emailing jobs@demos.co.uk.
Senior Researcher – Demos Digital Team employer: DEMOS
Demos is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, making it an ideal place for a Senior Policy Researcher to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and the chance to influence meaningful policy in the tech and media sectors. Located in the heart of Britain, our team enjoys a vibrant environment that encourages creativity and diverse perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher – Demos Digital Team
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at DEMOS, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like DEMOS. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher – Demos Digital Team
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at DEMOS. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at DEMOS. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at DEMOS
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at DEMOS. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at DEMOS to drive research projects forward.
