Assistant Social Researcher

Working hours: 35 hours per week, open to flexible working.    

Location: SW1P 3HE. Staff will have the option of working two days a week from home as standard, with other requests considered on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits: 30 days holiday, USS pension

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research is Britain’s oldest, and one of its most prestigious independent research institutes. We specialise in applied social and economic research, combining high academic standards with relevance to policy making. Our reputation for quality and independence, outstanding networks and unrivalled location at the heart of Westminster makes us the ideal base to build a national profile for academic or policy research that makes real impact. 

We are seeking an Assistant Social Researcher to join the Public Policy team. The purpose of the role is, under the guidance of more senior colleagues, to carry out research tasks on specific areas/workstreams within sizeable projects or on small standalone projects; support the relevant Project Leader and other research team colleagues;  undertake general project administration. Please see the Job Description for more information on the role.

The essential requirements we are looking for in the successful candidate are:

Experience

 You will have had experience of:

• Working on qualitative research. Additional experience of mixed methods research is an advantage.
• Managing multiple competing priorities to meet strict deadlines.  
• Working independently and as part of a team to achieve specific outcomes.
• Constructively challenging the accepted ways of thinking/doing things, and thinking critically to develop new idea, approaches, and ways of working.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• A Masters degree in a relevant social science (e.g. sociology, social policy, anthropology, human geography, social research or similar) that includes some qualitative research experience.  An equivalent, such as a Bachelors degree with some relevant work experience will also be considered.
• Awareness and understanding of a range of social research techniques and methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas and information to different audiences. Some experience of publicising research findings through  written outputs and/or giving presentations would be an advantage.
• High level of attention to detail, with the ability to ensure the accurate analysis of complex data sets.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships, with NIESR colleagues and others outside of the organisation.
• Knowledge of standard software packages and standard data analysis packages.
• Strong interest in real world social policy issues and developments, in areas such as employment, education, public health and wellbeing, migration, inequality and inclusion.

To apply

To apply for this role, please send a full CV and a supporting statement of no more than 1,000 words setting out how you meet the essential requirements outlined above. Please address these one by one, numbering each point as above, to ensure that we are able to fully consider how your experience, skills and abilities meet the needs of the post. Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role.

Applications should be sent to Jayne Richardson, HR Manager, by email: hr@niesr.ac.uk (via the ‘Apply’ button above)

In your application, please include the following:

• Where you saw the advert
• Your approximate available start date

Closing date for applications is 22 July 2025

Interviews will be held w/c 28 July 2025

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