At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on UK transport issues for Parliament and support informed decision-making.
- Company: Join the House of Commons Library, a respected institution at the heart of UK governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30-35 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in transport policy while collaborating with experts in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK transport policy and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
What you’ll be doing
The House of Commons Library is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Researcher (Transport) to join its Business and Transport Section within the Research and Information team.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of UK Parliament, providing trusted, impartial research and analysis that helps Members of Parliament scrutinise legislation, engage in debate and support their constituents on some of the most important transport issues facing the UK.
As part of a highly respected research service, you’ll use your expertise in transport policy to produce authoritative briefing papers, respond to confidential enquiries from MPs and their staff, and provide clear explanations of complex policy issues.
From rail and aviation to road policy, local transport and transport decarbonisation, you’ll contribute directly to Parliament’s understanding of fast-moving and high-profile topics that affect people across the country.
Working within the Business and Transport Section, you’ll collaborate with specialist colleagues across the House of Commons Library, the Statistics team, Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology and Parliamentary Committees.
This is an exciting role for someone who enjoys research, analysis and communicating complex information in a way that helps others make informed decisions.
This role is offered on a hybrid working basis, with an expectation of you spending 40% of your time in the office.
Find out more about working at the House of Commons.
Why Join us?
- Generous annual leave starting at 30 days and increasing to 35 after one full working year.
- Enrolment in the excellent Civil Service pension scheme with an average employer contribution of 27%.
- Flexible working options that help you find a balance including enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave, caring leave and alternative working patterns.
What we're looking for
- You have excellent knowledge and understanding of key areas of UK transport policy and/or law.
In particular, one of the following areas: rail policy, road policy, aviation policy, local transport, transport decarbonisation.
- You have a good knowledge of current affairs and UK public policy.
- You are able to absorb complex, technical material, relevant to a subject quickly, and can analyse, interpret and present it clearly and accurately for a non-specialist.
- You have experience of using reliable, accurate and relevant information sources and research tools with the ability to assess their value using sound judgement.
- You have the ability to explain complex information clearly and succinctly using your excellent written and oral communication skills.
- You can communicate demonstrating strict political impartiality and authority, and in line with the needs of the audience.
- You can deal with a changing portfolio of work or cover for colleagues.
- You plan, prioritise and organise your workload to meet deadlines, and other competing demands.
- You can maintain high quality standards whilst working under pressure.
- You work effectively as part of a team and build and maintain working relationships with a wide range of people.
- You share skills, knowledge and learning with colleagues, with the ability to informally coach others and uphold our principles of equality, diversity, inclusion at all times.
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Senior Researcher (Transport) in London employer: HOUSE OF COMMONS
As an Education and Engagement Assistant at the UK Parliament, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to inspiring young minds in one of the most iconic settings in the UK. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and flexible working options, the company fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. This role not only offers meaningful engagement with the community but also provides opportunities for professional development in a historic and influential environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher (Transport) in London
✨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
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✨Utilise Professional Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher (Transport) in London
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 HOUSE OF COMMONS. 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 HOUSE OF COMMONS. 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 HOUSE OF COMMONS
✨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 HOUSE OF COMMONS. 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 HOUSE OF COMMONS to drive research projects forward.