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: Experience in research with strong communication and analytical skills.
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 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 in Livingston employer: Scottish Parliament
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 fosters a collaborative work culture that values personal growth and professional development. Employees benefit from generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Researcher in Livingston
✨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 parliamentary issues. We want to show that we’re not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the work of the Scottish Parliament.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since this role requires excellent communication, let’s rehearse answering questions 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 keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Researcher in Livingston
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 a perfect fit for us!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an excellent communicator, it's crucial to demonstrate this in your written application. Use clear and concise language to convey your ideas, and don't forget to include examples of your ability to produce comprehensive briefings.
Highlight Relevant Experience:We’re looking for someone with a solid background in research and analysis. Be sure to mention any previous roles or projects that involved legislative processes or scrutiny, as this will show us you understand the environment you'll be working in.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Scottish Parliament Information Centre.
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 Scotland's 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.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how success is measured in this position. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
