Senior Researcher

• Salary range: £47,324.70 to £56,832.30 (£52,583 to £63,147 FTE)
• Location: Hybrid working from the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh and from
home
• Leave: 41.5 days (FTE, including public holidays)
• Working Pattern: This is a part time post working post, working 33 hours 18
minutes per week. We are happy to talk about flexible working as we’re
committed to supporting staff to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
• Length of Appointment: 9 months with the possibility of extension
• Pension: Civil Service pension arrangements with an employer contribution of
28.97% of basic annual salary
• Clearance Required: CTC security clearance will be processed at job offer
stage
Closing Date: 11:59 pm on Sunday 14 July 2024
Want to make a difference in one of the most influential places in Scotland? Now is your chance!
Applications for a secondment opportunity are welcome.
This is a great opportunity to join the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) as a Senior Researcher.
SPICe comprises a research and information service and supports the scrutiny and legislative functions of the Parliament. We provide impartial, accurate and timely research, information and briefings to Members of the Scottish Parliament, their staff, and Parliamentary staff.
Working alongside experienced colleagues within the Environment, Rural, Constitution and International Research Unit Research Unit, you’ll be leading on Rural Affairs, Agriculture and Land Use policy areas. You’ll be involved in answering enquiries on a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, farmed animal health and welfare, rural development, food, forestry, biodiversity and nature-based solutions to climate change - as well as support on issues including wildlife, natural heritage and fisheries. You’ll prepare committee briefings and analysis to help MSPs scrutinise the related policies of the Scottish Government, and you’ll publish briefings and blog articles on relevant issues.
We’re looking for an experienced researcher with detailed knowledge of the rural affairs, agriculture and land use policy areas. You’ll be an excellent communicator who is able to produce comprehensive briefings with brevity, accuracy and impartiality, and have a commitment to producing high quality research and analysis.
You’ll demonstrate a high level of personal credibility with excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships.
If you’re looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the Parliament’s vision, we’d love to hear from you.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a Minority Ethnic background and candidates with a disability. All appointments will be made on merit. We have a values-based culture of respect and inclusion embedded in our organisation, and everyone has the ability to make a difference.
We offer a great range of benefits including: 41.5 leave days (FTE, including public holidays), flexible working, paid professional subscriptions, family-friendly policies, Season Ticket advance loans, an onsite gym facility, Health and Wellbeing Schemes including discounted gym membership, a confidential counselling and information service, and the Cycle to Work Scheme.
You’ll also have the opportunity to join the Alpha Civil Service pension scheme, where we’ll offer you an employer contribution of up to 28.97% of your basic salary.