Senior Researcher - Social Surveys

The Centre for Social Survey Transformation is a multi-disciplinary team that delivers methodological, analytical and developmental research projects. It has a particular focus on evaluating the impact of methodological choices in surveys which provide National and Official Statistics.

We have a vacancy for a Senior Researcher to play a leading role in delivering survey transformation projects and large-scale social surveys. Recent projects include the development and integration of a new digital data collection tool into an existing high-profile survey; the design and testing of a new National Statistic-level mixed-mode survey; and a review of the feasibility of transitioning a large-scale face-to-face survey to a new mixed-mode approach.

Attitudinal Surveys & NatCen Panel:
The Attitudinal Surveys team holds two of NatCen's flagship survey projects. The British Social Attitudes survey is the gold standard for attitudinal survey research in Great Britain and has been tracking changes in people's social, political and moral attitudes for forty years. The NatCen Panel is Britain's longest running random probability-based panel. It enables researchers to collect survey data from a high-quality sample more quickly and at lower cost than 'traditional' methods. Both projects work with a range of clients, including government departments and academia, and cover a variety of topics - from attitudes to gender roles to experiences of working in the hidden economy or views on transitioning to low-carbon heating.,

• Be the main contact for projects and liaise effectively and professionally with NatCen staff, as well as external clients and collaborators.


• Significantly contribute to the overall design and implementation of research projects.


• Develop and test quantitative data collection instruments and other relevant survey material, including interviewer briefings;


• Carry out quantitative analysis to a very good standard.


• Write proposals, presentations and reports to a standard appropriate for external audiences.


• Develop a good knowledge of policy and/or methodological areas.


• Contribute to the ongoing development in the design of NatCen's flagship studies.


• Contribute to promoting NatCen's work externally.


• Maintain and promote high ethical and information security standards.


Whilst the departments operate in broadly similar manner across the Senior Researcher grade, some small differences may occur.
To perform any other reasonable duties that NatCen may require that are consistent with the broad nature of the job.


• Undergraduate degree.


• Good understanding of a range of research methods, with expertise in surveys.


• Knowledge of quantitative research methods.


• Proven track record of managing and delivering high-quality research studies, helping to ensure their delivery to time and budget.


• Strong quantitative research skills and experience of conducting research surveys and managing and analysing the resulting data.


• Excellent communications skills (written and oral) and the ability to communicate clearly, in different styles and for different audiences.


• Strong project management skills and the ability to work well under pressure and to manage deadlines effectively.


• Experience of building positive relationships with customers/funders/partners.


• Commitment to continuous improvement.


Desirable:

• Experience of managing, delivering and conducting social research surveys.


• Experience in supporting writing proposals for research projects and/or helping to develop grant funding applications.


• Relevant postgraduate degree.


• Experience of manging and/or analysing data using SPSS or R.


• Experience of conducting surveys online and/or with probability-based samples.
  
  At NatCen Social Research we believe that social research has the power to make life better. By really understanding the complexity of people's lives and what they think about the issues that affect them, we give the public a powerful and influential role in shaping services that can make a difference to everyone. And as an independent, not-for-profit organisation we're able to focus our time and energy on meeting our clients' needs and delivering social research that works for society.
  
  As well as a competitive salary, an excellent working environment (including a home/office hybrid working environment), you will be working for the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. We are proud of the benefits we offer our employees which include:


• 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) and flexible working


• Generous company pension scheme


• Life insurance and health cash plan


• Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan


• Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring support from industry-leading experts.