Principal Social Researcher

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

Location: 2 Dean Trench Street, Smith Square, London, SW1P 3HE. Staff are able to work up to two days per week from home. 

Benefits: 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, 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 a Principal Social Researcher to join the Public Policy team. 

The successful candidate would ideally have a track record of work in one or more of the following areas: 

• Education, skills
• Employment
• Migration
• Inclusion
• Social Inequalities 

The successful candidate will have significant experience in qualitative research (including participatory approaches), but mixed methods experience will be considered an important advantage. 

This is an exciting role where you are encouraged to explore your interests and passions.  You will drive several concurrent research projects in your specialist areas of expertise, design and carry out research, and mentor/supervise less experienced researchers.  You will lead a small team of qualitative social researchers within the larger Public Policy team. You will also play an important role in cultivating external networks and future sources of funding, and in leading and collaborating on the development of research proposals to achieve funding targets. 

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

Experience 

1. Leading/coordinating research projects from inception to completion and achieving high quality results.
2. Managing multiple competing priorities to meet strict deadlines.  
3. Using a range of research techniques and methodologies; particularly qualitative approaches (including participatory approaches).
4. Analysing and interpreting complex information to generate evidence-based conclusions.
5. Demonstrable success in writing research bids and proposals.
6. Working collaboratively across teams/organisations to achieve specific outcomes.
7. 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 

1. PhD in a relevant social science (e.g. sociology, anthropology, etc), or equivalent.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in an audience appropriate way.
3. High level of attention to detail, with the ability to ensure the accuracy of complex reports and data sets without the need for oversight or checking.
4. Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
5. Knowledge of standard software packages and standard data analysis packages.
6. Strong interest in real world social policy developments. 

Desirable: 

1. Skills and experience in mixed methods research
2. Experience in one or more of the following areas: Education; Migration; Employment; Inequality; Inclusion

To apply

To apply for this role, please send full CV and a supporting statement of no more than 1,500 words setting how you meet the essential requirements outlined above.  Please number each point and address these one at a time 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 Kirsty Pearce-Perkins via email by clicking on the 'Apply' button above.

Closing date for applications is Monday 17 March 2025. We may interview suitable candidates as they apply so early application is encouraged.  We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date.