At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on devolution and constitutional issues for the Scottish Parliament.
- Company: Join the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, a key player in Scotland's governance.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41.5 days leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse candidates, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in one of Scotland's most influential workplaces.
- Qualifications: Experience in research with strong communication skills and knowledge of parliamentary processes.
The predicted salary is between 56875 - 68301 € per year.
Temporary Senior Researcher, Parliament & Constitution, Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Any additional information you require for this job can be found in the below text. Make sure to read thoroughly, then apply.
Salary range: £56,875 to £68,301
Location: Hybrid working from the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh and from home
Contract: Temporary until June 2027 (maternity leave cover)
Leave: 41.5 days (including public holidays)
Working Pattern: This is a full-time temporary post, working 35 hours per week. This is a hybrid role, working from Holyrood, and from home.
Pension: Civil Service pension arrangements with an employer contribution of 28.97% of basic annual salary
Clearance Required: CTC security clearance will be processed at job offer stage
Closing Date: 11:59 pm on Wednesday 27 May 2026
If you want to make a difference in one of the most influential workplaces in Scotland, this is your opportunity. This is a great opportunity to join the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) as a Senior Researcher. SPICe comprises a research and information service and supports the scrutiny and legislative functions of the Parliament. We provide impartial, accurate and timely research, information and briefings to Members of the Scottish Parliament, their staff, and Parliamentary staff.
Working within the Environment, Rural, Constitution and International Research Unit, you'll be responsible for supporting the work of the Parliament on devolution, constitutional and parliamentary issues, including the powers of the parliament; the legislative process, scrutiny processes and the procedures of the Parliament. As well as answering enquiries from MSPs, their staff and staff of the Parliament, you'll prepare committee briefings and analysis to help MSPs scrutinise draft legislation, and the work and policies of the Scottish Government. You'll publish briefings and blog articles on relevant issues and be expected to deliver oral briefings as required. You'll also work across the Parliament to support corporate and strategic work linked to your areas of expertise.
You will cover a wide range of subjects, including: devolution and constitution; electoral law and Parliament. You may be expected to cover other relevant topics as required.
We're looking for an experienced researcher with detailed knowledge of devolution, constitution and parliament topic areas. You'll be an excellent communicator who is able to produce comprehensive briefings with brevity, accuracy and impartiality, and have a commitment to producing high quality research and analysis. You'll demonstrate a high level of personal credibility with excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships.
If you're looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the Parliament's vision, we'd love to hear from you. Applications for a secondment are welcome. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a Minority Ethnic background and Disabled candidates. All appointments will be made on merit. We have a values-based culture of respect and inclusion embedded in our organisation, and everyone has the ability to make a difference.
We offer a great range of benefits including: 41.5 leave days (including public holidays), flexible working, paid professional subscriptions, family-friendly policies, Season Ticket advance loans, an onsite gym facility, Health and Wellbeing Schemes including discounted gym membership, a confidential counselling and information service, and the Cycle to Work Scheme. You'll also have the opportunity to join the Alpha Civil Service pension scheme, where we'll offer you an employer contribution of up to 28.97% of your basic salary.
Senior Researcher employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of Scotland's legislative process. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and respect, SPICe provides generous benefits such as 41.5 days of leave, flexible working arrangements, and a robust pension scheme with significant employer contributions. Employees are encouraged to grow professionally through meaningful research roles that directly impact parliamentary functions, all within the vibrant setting of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the Scottish Parliament, especially those in research roles. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of devolution and constitutional issues. We want you to be able to discuss these topics confidently and show how your expertise aligns with the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires excellent briefing and presentation abilities, consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with important details about what we’re looking for in a Senior Researcher, so don’t skip this step!
Tailor Your Application:When writing your application, be sure to tailor it to highlight your experience and skills that match the role. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, especially in areas like devolution and constitutional issues.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Senior Researcher, excellent communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to produce clear and concise briefings. A well-structured application will show us you can communicate effectively!
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 keen on joining our team at the Scottish Parliament!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of devolution, constitutional issues, and parliamentary processes. Familiarise yourself with recent legislation and current affairs related to the Scottish Parliament. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations, such as preparing a briefing for an MSP or responding to a complex enquiry. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated similar challenges, and be ready to discuss your thought process and outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Researcher, you'll need to communicate complex information clearly and concisely. Practice explaining your research findings or a complicated topic in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to produce comprehensive briefings with brevity and accuracy, which is crucial for the role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, aim to establish a connection with your interviewers. Be personable and engage with them by asking insightful questions about their work and the team dynamics. This will not only make you memorable but also highlight your ability to develop positive working relationships, which is key in this role.
