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 and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in one of Scotland's most influential workplaces.
- Qualifications: Experienced researcher 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
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, the latter 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.
For full information about this role and to apply for this job click here.
Senior Researcher in Bonnyrigg employer: Scottish Parliament
Join the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) as a Senior Researcher and be part of a dynamic team that plays a crucial role in shaping Scotland's legislative landscape. With a strong commitment to respect and inclusion, we offer an enriching work culture, generous leave entitlements, and a comprehensive benefits package including a substantial pension contribution and flexible working arrangements. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher in Bonnyrigg
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Scottish Parliament. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost our chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching recent developments in devolution and constitutional issues. We want to show that we’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely passionate about the topics that matter to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since this role requires excellent briefing and presentation abilities, let’s rehearse delivering our ideas clearly and concisely. Mock interviews with friends can help us nail it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how our experience aligns perfectly with the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher in Bonnyrigg
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the Senior Researcher role. We want to see how your background in devolution, constitution, and parliamentary issues makes you the perfect fit for us!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an excellent communicator, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to produce clear and concise briefings. Use your written application to showcase your knack for brevity and accuracy, as these are key traits we’re looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous research roles or projects that relate to the responsibilities of this position. We love seeing how your past experiences can contribute to our mission at the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Parliament
✨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 research scenarios or inquiries from MSPs. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully tackled similar challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Researcher, you'll need to communicate complex information clearly and concisely. Prepare to demonstrate your ability to produce briefings and deliver oral presentations. You might even want to practice summarising a piece of legislation or a research topic in a few sentences.
✨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 at SPICe. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in the team and the impact of your potential contributions.
