At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research and manage sensitive information for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join a vital team supporting justice and legacy inquests in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for future roles available; check your spam for application updates.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your research skills in a meaningful role.
- Qualifications: 2 A Levels or equivalent; experience in research and analysis is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25400 - 25800 £ per year.
Researcher
Hours of Work: Full-Time
Location: Seapark, Carrickfergus
Closing Date/Time: 22/09/2025 3:00pm
Reference Number: HRLSR2325
Job Background:
The Researcher role will contribute to servicing the needs of the Police Service of Northern Ireland/Crown Solicitor’s Office in relation to Legacy inquests/Legacy civil action.
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday 37 hours per week
Salary: £30,458 - £31,097 plus £1365 environmental allowance.
Main Activities:
The main duties and responsibilities associated with the role include the following:
Retrieval
- Retrieve relevant documentation from PSNI records.
- Manage investigative materials from archives and police estate locations, ensuring access is recorded and material integrity is maintained.
- Arrange physical transfer of materials, including those of sensitive or classified nature.
- Travel to external locations (e.g., PRONI, libraries, and government departments) to access on-site information.
- Maintain a complete audit trail for all collected information.
Research and Redaction
- Gather information, data, and statistics from PSNI and external sources (e.g., PRONI, PPS).
- Trace individuals such as victims’ next of kin, former RUC staff, military personnel, witnesses, and others.
- Liaise with internal teams and external agencies to collect relevant information within deadlines.
- Ensure compliance with Human Rights legislation (notably Articles 2 and 8).
- Redact sensitive or confidential information for disclosure to inquiries, tribunals, or civil cases.
- Process and secure information per PSNI policy, including watermarking and electronic redaction (e.g., via Adobe).
- Compile reports and present data in standard formats for supervisors.
- Prepare documentation schedules for civil actions.
- Format materials for legal advisers and transfer final redaction files to the Crown Solicitor’s Office.
Liaison
- Communicate regularly with investigators, analysts, and other PSNI staff to locate and exchange case-related information.
- Engage with external bodies such as the Ombudsman, Coroner’s Office, MOD, Prison Service, and Crown Solicitor’s Office for information gathering.
- Visit external archives and libraries to access non-digitised materials.
- Researchers will have personal contact with external organisations such as libraries or archives for the purpose of accessing information which is held on site and cannot be remotely accessed.
This Job Description reflects the main duties and responsibilities with this position. It is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive.
Person Specification:
Essential Qualifications
- 2 A Levels or equivalent
Essential Skills and Experience
- Experience in research, analysis, and investigation, with the ability to collate and present complex information clearly.
- Skilled in interpreting and applying human rights legislation in professional contexts.
Essential Other
- IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite (including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and MS Outlook).
- The successful candidate must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil the responsibilities of the job in full.
Desirable Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent level qualification.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience in disclosure of documents to court.
- Experience of court proceedings/coronial inquests.
Shortlisting will be carried out based on essential criteria. Please note in some instances, for example, where there is a high volume of applicants, desirable criteria may be assessed.
Successful applicants will be retained on a merit list for future opportunities arising.
We would encourage you to check the spam within your email system for any relevant correspondence.
Selection Methodology
PSNI uses the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) which sets out nationally recognised behaviours and values to support all policing professionals. You will be assessed against the values and at the competencies level as indicated below. This will include both past and future focused questions. Further guidance and information about the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) is available on our website. Please use the 2024 CVF for this role.
Applicants meeting the eligibility criteria and essential qualifications, skills and experience will be required to demonstrate their qualifications, skills and experience for the following criteria:
Competency and Value Based Assessment
Values
- Courage and Integrity
Competencies – Level 2
- We Analyse Critically
- We Take Ownership
- We Collaborate
- We are Innovative and Open-minded
For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.
Researcher in Carrickfergus employer: The Police Service of Northern Ireland
As a Researcher with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to upholding justice and transparency in our community. Located in Seapark, Carrickfergus, we offer a supportive work culture that values integrity and collaboration, alongside competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a fulfilling career in a dynamic environment focused on public service.
Contact Details:
The Police Service of Northern Ireland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Researcher in Carrickfergus
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We think you need these skills to ace Researcher in Carrickfergus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at The Police Service of Northern Ireland. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at The Police Service of Northern Ireland. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Police Service of Northern Ireland
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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