Are you ready to shape Scotland’s future through evidence and insight?

The Scottish Government works to make Scotland a more successful country and a better place to live. Having the right people producing and communicating powerful research is vital to helping us achieve this. Our social researcher positions are for you if you enjoy working strategically, collaboratively and innovatively and want to apply your analytical skills to help make a difference to the lives of the people of Scotland.

In return, we'll offer you an incredible opportunity to work across the Scottish Government in policy areas like Health, Education, Equality and Social Justice, Environment, Justice and the Economy, informing important decisions with robust research evidence right from the start.

We are currently seeking applications for several Senior Research Officer positions within the Social Research Profession. Vacancies are available within the Communities Analysis Division and National Records of Scotland. Additionally, we intend to use a reserve list from this campaign to fill any further Senior Research Officer roles that may arise over the next 12 months.

Further information about Social Research Profession can be found here

Responsibilities

Social Researchers provide high quality research-based evidence and advice for Ministers and officials to inform policy development, implementation and evaluation.

Social researchers help generate new ideas and open up debate, challenge assumptions, beliefs and attitudes, test policy ideas and develop a deeper understanding of issues affecting Scotland.

Main general duties (this list in not exhaustive and individual posts may differ)

Provide research-based advice and expertise to policy teams and Ministers to inform government policy making and delivery both orally and in writing.
Build relationships with the policy/practice community and external research community to bring expert knowledge into decision making.
Commission and manage external research projects.
Undertake internal research using a variety of methods such as literature reviews, interviews and focus groups. Advise non research colleagues on social research methods and research ethics.
Contribute to briefings and PQs, FMQs promptly and accurately.
Make a significant contribution to the aims and objectives of the Social Research Group and the corporate commitment to evidence-informed policy making.

Qualifications

These positions are open to existing GSR (Government Social Research) members or candidates who can satisfy the GSR entry requirements detailed here : What qualifications do I need to be a government social researcher

Any candidates who are not current members of GSR will be required to sit an online knowledge test before proceeding to sift.

Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills

GSR Professional Research Skills at Senior Research Officer (SRO) level.

You can find out more about the skills required here: The Government Social Research Technical Framework - GOV.UK

Experience

A thorough knowledge of research methods & techniques and experience using these to design impactful, medium-scale or complex research projects that meet the needs of customers.
Experience of leading the management and commissioning of work incorporating knowledge of procurement procedures, ethical
issues and legal requirements of social research, working with other analysts, procurement, legal professionals and ethics boards to inform management decisions. Critically assess research submissions and contributions using quality assurance methodologies to ensure outputs are published to a high standard.

Behaviours:

Changing and Improving (Level 3)
Making Effective Decisions (Level 3)
Communicating and Influencing (Level 3

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here
Information Session

We are holding a candidate information session to go over the application and assessment process on Thursday 21st August at 13:30

Please sign up using the link below.

For any staff who cannot attend this meeting will be recorded, please email Alana.Devlin@gov.scot for a copy.

Candidate Information Session - B3 Social Research Internal Advert | Pathways

How to apply

Apply online, attaching a CV (please ensure you clearly state how you meet the qualification element (GSR member details or qualification info) and provide a supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the Success Profile above.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.

Assessments are scheduled for early-mid October however this may be subject to change.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

Reserve List and Temporary Promotion

We intend to use a reserve list from this campaign to fill any further Senior Research Officer roles that may arise over the next 12 months. Permanent posts will be offered in order of merit. Once all permanent positions have been filled, there may be opportunities for additional roles to be offered on a temporary promotion (TP) basis to candidates who successfully pass the assessment. Candidates appointed to a TP role will remain on the reserve list and will be appointed, again in order of merit for any further permanent vacancies that arise within the next 12 months.

About usThe Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working patternOur standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Security checksSuccessful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide. Equality statementWe are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further informationFind out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before; 8th September (23:59) This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only