At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research to shape government policy and drive change in Scotland.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Scottish Government focused on evidence-based decision making.
- Benefits: Permanent position with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Other info: Engage with policy teams and external experts to enhance your research impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing public procurement and local government finance.
- Qualifications: Experience in social research and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Social Researchers provide high quality research-based evidence and advice for Ministers and officials to inform policy development, implementation and evaluation. Social researchers help generate new ideas and open up debate, challenge assumptions, beliefs and attitudes, test policy ideas and develop a deeper understanding of issues affecting Scotland.
The Senior Research Officer leads the development of a programme of research and analysis to support the work of the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate. Key priorities include developing a programme of work to inform, gather, analyse and present evidence that explores the use of public procurement in Scotland as a vehicle for achieving wider policy objectives.
Key deliverables of the role include:
- Development of the Annual Report on Procurement Activity in Scotland
- Contract management for the analysis of annual procurement reports and strategies from Scottish contracting authorities.
The Senior Research Officer also provides research support and analysis to policy teams across other divisions and directorates to provide evidence and analysis relating to local government finance, local taxation and business rates. This post is co-located within the Local Government and Analytical Services (LGAS) Division in the Directorate for Local Government, and the Procurement and PPM Policy and Strategy Division in SPPD.
Responsibilities
- Provide research-based advice and expertise to policy teams and Ministers to inform government policy making and delivery both orally and in writing.
- Build relationships with the policy/practice community and external research community to bring expert knowledge into decision making.
- Commission and manage external research projects.
- Undertake internal research using a variety of methods such as literature reviews, interviews and focus groups.
- Advise non-research colleagues on social research methods and research ethics.
- Contribute to briefings and PQs, FMQs promptly and accurately.
- Make a significant contribution to the aims and objectives of the Social Research Group and the corporate commitment to evidence-informed policy making.
Qualifications
This role is a permanent level transfer position.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
Selection Process
All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager. Informal discussion dates tbc.
Further Information
If you have specific questions about the role, please contact kenny.rankin@gov.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Senior Research Officer - B3 employer: Scottish Government
As a Senior Research Officer within the Scottish Government, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to shaping policy through high-quality research and analysis. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in the heart of Scotland, we offer a unique chance to contribute to meaningful projects that impact communities across the nation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Officer - B3
✨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 Scottish Government, 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 Scottish Government. 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 Research Officer - B3
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 Scottish Government. 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 Scottish Government. 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 Scottish Government
✨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 Scottish Government. 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 Scottish Government to drive research projects forward.
