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- Tasks: Assist in diverse research projects and gain hands-on experience in data analysis.
- Company: Dynamic research firm based in central Edinburgh, working with various sectors.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with opportunities for skill development and networking.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in research and make a real impact on important topics.
- Qualifications: Degree in social research or related field; MS Office skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with potential for future opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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.
- 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 qualifications and 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
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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the research field, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨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 got experience with data analysis or visualisation tools like R or Excel, be ready to discuss specific projects where you used these skills. It’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨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 are proactive and take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant- 12 months contract
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 responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our research projects!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this is a research assistant position, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with qualitative and quantitative research methods. If you've used tools like R or Excel, give us the details – we love seeing those skills in action!
Be Organised and Clear: When submitting your application, ensure your CV and cover letter are well-structured and free of errors. A clear and organised application reflects your attention to detail, which is super important in research roles like this one.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
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 statistical packages like R and Excel, as well as how they apply to data analysis and visualisation. This will show your potential employer that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in collaborative settings. Think of examples where you’ve successfully worked with others, tackled challenges, or contributed to group projects. Highlighting your ability to work well within a team will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific research tasks or client interactions. Prepare by thinking through scenarios related to research administration, coding, or writing findings. Practising these responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about the types of research projects you might assist with or how the team collaborates on proposals. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
