At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to design and implement impactful social research projects.
- Company: Largest independent social research organisation in the UK with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a difference through research while developing your skills in a hybrid work environment.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree and experience in quantitative research methods required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career development and mentoring from industry experts.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31000 £ per year.
Researcher – Social Surveys Department
Application Deadline: 28 October 2025
Department: Social Surveys
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London, UK
Compensation: £25,207 – £31,371 / year
Description
Role: Researcher – Social Surveys Department
Location: London (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £25,207-£31,371
Department: Social Surveys
Contract: Permanent
Researchers work as part of larger teams in order to deliver particular elements of projects. There is also a strong emphasis on the development of skills and experience, through both formal and informal learning, and on participation in business development activities and the wider life of the organisation (e.g. through seminars, working groups and other departmental and NatCen-wide initiatives).
Key Responsibilities
- Contributing to the design and implementation of quantitative research.
- Developing and testing quantitative data collection instruments and other relevant survey material, including interviewer briefings.
- Supporting data collection efforts through interviewer briefings
- Managing quantitative data
- Carrying out quantitative analysis to a high standard (with supervision)
- Preparing presentations and reports to a high standard (with supervision)
- Liaising effectively and professionally with NatCen staff, as well as external customers and collaborators
- Maintaining and promoting high ethical and information security standards
To perform any other reasonable duties that NatCen may require that are consistent with the broad nature of the job.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential:
- Undergraduate degree
- Understanding of and skills in quantitative research methods
- Experience of delivering high-quality research studies, helping to ensure their delivery to time and budget
- Quantitative research skills and at least one-two years’ experience of conducting research surveys and analysing the resulting data
- Excellent communications skills (written and oral) and the ability to communicate clearly, in different styles and for different audiences
- Good project management skills and the ability to work well under pressure and to manage deadlines effectively
- Commitment to continuous improvement
Desirable:
- Experience of carrying out, or contributing to, an applied social research project
- Experience of using statistical analysis software
- Higher degree with significant social research methods content
Benefits
As well as a competitive salary, an excellent working environment (including a home/office hybrid working environment), you will be working for the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. We are proud of the benefits we offer our employees which include:
- 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) and flexible working
- Generous company pension scheme
- Life insurance and health cash plan
- Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan
- Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring support from industry-leading experts.
We are a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and wish to apply for this role, please let us know in the application questions below. This allows us to ensure you are considered for an interview if you meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you have any questions or need adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, feel free to contact us on natcenrecruitment@instant-impact.com
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to a high volume of applications, so please apply as soon as possible
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Researcher - Social Surveys Department employer: the National Centre for Social Research
Contact Detail:
the National Centre for Social Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Researcher - Social Surveys Department
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent work in social surveys. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your responses, making you feel more confident when it’s time for the real deal.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Researcher - Social Surveys Department
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Researcher role. Highlight your quantitative research skills and any relevant experience you have in social surveys. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key, ensure your written application is clear and engaging. Use different styles where appropriate, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors. We love a polished application!
Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills: In your application, mention any experience you have managing projects or working under pressure. We’re looking for candidates who can juggle deadlines effectively, so share examples that showcase your ability to deliver on time.
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 quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at NatCen!
How to prepare for a job interview at the National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your Quantitative Research Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your quantitative research methods before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with designing surveys and analysing data, as this role heavily relies on these skills. Think of specific examples from your past work that showcase your expertise.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to explain complex concepts in simple terms, as you may need to present findings to different audiences. Consider doing a mock presentation to a friend or family member.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Prowess
Be ready to talk about how you've managed deadlines and projects in the past. Highlight any tools or techniques you use to stay organised and ensure timely delivery. This will show that you can handle the pressures of the role effectively.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
This role values a commitment to continuous improvement, so think about how you've sought feedback and made adjustments in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss any professional development activities you've engaged in, like workshops or courses, that have enhanced your skills.