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- Tasks: Assist in diverse research projects and help prepare proposals for various clients.
- Company: Dynamic research team based in central Edinburgh with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and work in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in research and make a real impact on important topics.
- Qualifications: Degree in social research or related field; confident with MS Office 365.
- Other info: 12-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth and learning.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Summary of role
Gain experience of all aspects of research. This includes assisting on a wide variety of research commissions and assisting in preparation of proposals. We work for public sector, third sector and private sector clients on a whole range of topics. Our methods include surveys, focus groups and deliberative research projects. As this is an entry-level role, this contract is for 12 months fixed-term.
Work pattern and place
Our team are based in our office in central Edinburgh. All our research roles involve working off-site to meet with clients or to conduct research fieldwork. Working hours are largely Monday-Friday 9-5:30. From time to time, and with notice, fieldwork takes place out of these hours and days.
Reporting to
Head of Research
Key Responsibilities
- Assist on allocated research projects.
- Conduct research administration tasks for allocated projects.
- Assist with data and statistical analysis and data visualisation using statistical packages such as R and Excel.
- Assist with qualitative research, coding, and writing findings.
- Assist day-to-day interactions with existing clients.
- Assist with research outputs including written reports, visualisations and presentations.
- Assist in proposals for new work.
- All employees cover for each other during planned and unplanned absence. In such cases you will be assigned tasks outside the normal scope of your role.
Aptitudes
All members of the research team are expected to possess these attributes:
- Highly motivated to develop skills.
- Qualitative and quantitative research skills.
- Highly analytical and numerate.
- Verbal communication skills.
- Written communication skills.
- Software skills for analysis and visualisation.
- Able to work to tight deadlines.
- Working well within a team and on own initiative.
- Organised and logical approach to work tasks.
- Positive and proactive approach to role responsibilities.
Essential experience
For this role, it is crucial you have:
- Degree or equivalent experience in social research related subject.
- Confidence in using MS Office 365- Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams.
- Right to work in the UK for the duration of this contract.
Desirable experience
In addition to the above, you may have:
- At least 3 months work experience in a research team.
Instructions for applications
To apply for this role please submit a cover letter and your CV in a single file (Word/ Pdf). Deadline for submission is Sunday 1 February 2026. We aim to be back in touch with candidates to invite to interview by Thursday 4 February. Please keep an eye on your junk mail for any correspondence from us. We will hold interviews in our office, this is likely to be afternoon Friday 13 February or Tuesday 17 February. As a small business, we do not give feedback to all applicants. Please check your junk folder for any response from us. If you have not heard the outcome by end February, please assume you are not invited to interview. For anyone interviewed we will let you know the outcome and offer you feedback.
Research Assistant- 12 months contract in Edinburgh employer: Diffley Partnership
Contact Detail:
Diffley Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant- 12 months contract in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Research Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to research roles. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the job description. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve done any relevant projects or have experience with tools like R or Excel, be ready to discuss them. Bring examples to the table that highlight your analytical prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant- 12 months contract in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our research team!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this is a research assistant position, emphasise any experience you have with qualitative and quantitative research methods. Mention any tools or software you're familiar with, like R or Excel, as we value those skills highly.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for motivated individuals who are passionate about research, so show us what makes you unique!
Submit Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website by submitting your CV and cover letter in one file. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diffley Partnership
✨Know Your Research Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Familiarise yourself with common techniques like surveys and focus groups, as well as tools like R and Excel for data analysis. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since verbal and written communication is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated findings in past experiences. Bring examples of reports or presentations you've worked on, and be ready to explain your thought process behind them.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration, so think of examples where you’ve successfully worked in a team. Be prepared to discuss how you handle tight deadlines and support your colleagues, as well as how you can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s research projects, team structure, or future opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
