Researcher

We are Social Value Lab — a mission-led social research company that helps organisations prove their social impact. We work with clients ranging from Amazon, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the Scottish Government to grassroots charities doing extraordinary work with limited resources. What connects them: they all need evidence that's rigorous enough to convince sceptics and compelling enough to inspire funders.

We are looking for a Researcher to join our small, senior team in Glasgow. You will be involved in the full research lifecycle — designing surveys, conducting interviews and focus groups, analysing qualitative and quantitative data, and writing findings that clients actually use. This isn’t a back-room support role. You will join client meetings early, contribute to project planning, and see your analysis shape real decisions. You will work on a varied portfolio — sometimes a national evaluation for government, sometimes a research study for a local charity, sometimes helping a global corporation understand its social value. No two weeks look the same. For the right person, that’s the appeal.

What makes this different: Mission-led, not profit-led. At least 50% of our profits go directly to charitable causes. Your work generates social value twice — through the evidence you produce and through where the proceeds go. AI-forward. We use cutting-edge tools daily — not as a gimmick, but because they make us faster, sharper, and free us to focus on the thinking that matters. If you’re excited about where research is heading, you’ll fit right in. High-profile clients, meaningful projects. Within your first year, you’ll likely contribute to work for household names alongside grassroots organisations. Real programmes, real funding decisions, real communities. Real responsibility from day one. Small team means no hiding. You’ll have genuine autonomy and see the direct impact of your contributions. Clear pathway to senior roles. We invest in development — structured training, conference attendance, AI and data skills. There’s a route to seniority for people who grow with us.

You will need:

• A relevant degree and research experience
• Comfort with both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Excellent written English — clear, precise, no waffle
• Curiosity about AI and new technology — an early adopter, not a reluctant convert
• Genuine commitment to social impact (we’ll know the difference)
• Empathy and emotional intelligence — you’ll hear difficult stories and need to hold space sensitively
• Strong interpersonal skills — warm, easy to talk to, the kind of person people open up to
• Self-direction — you’ll manage multiple projects without someone looking over your shoulder
• Willingness to travel within the UK, with occasional overnight stays

Desirable but not essential:

• Master’s degree
• Consultancy experience
• Statistical software skills
• Qualitative analysis software
• Data visualisation skills
• Project management tools
• Evidence of entrepreneurial initiative

We offer:

• Salary: £24,000 – £34,000 depending on experience
• Working pattern: Flexible hybrid — we’re output-focused, with occasional days in our Glasgow city centre office
• Hours: 35-hour week — we’re not an "always on" culture
• Leave: 35 days including public holidays, with flexibility in how you use them
• Development: Structured training, genuine career progression, investment in your growth
• Culture: Small team, high trust, ideas heard, no hierarchy to shout over

Send your CV (3 pages max) and a cover letter (500 words max) to info@socialvaluelab.org.uk. Your cover letter should answer: "Tell us about a time you turned research, data, or evidence into insight that informed a decision or told a compelling story." Deadline: 5pm, 16 February 2026. We may hire more than one person from this search. If you meet most of the essentials and something here resonates — trust that instinct and apply.