Senior Research Officer

**Details**:
**Reference number**:
192698

**Salary**:
£39,659 - £47,485

**Grade**:
Senior Executive Officer

B3

**Contract type**:
Permanent

**Type of role**:
Other

**Working pattern**:
Full-time

**Number of posts**:
1

***:
Location

Edinburgh, Scotland, EH11 3XD

About the job

**Summary**:
The Rural Communities Research team is made up of social researchers working on a range of both internal and externally contracted research projects. Our goal is to support research that is relevant, respected and responsive to Scotland’s rural communities and the rural economy.

RESAS is different from other analytical units because it includes Science Advisors and manages a large research portfolio with a group of Main Research Providers. It also works in partnership with science related bodies. The post therefore provides opportunities to build networks with academics and partner organisations.

Key longstanding issues for Scotland’s rural and island areas are depopulation, limited or seasonal opportunities for employment, constraints on services (education, housing, childcare, broadband access and fuel poverty), and community empowerment. Considerable attention is currently being given to economic recovery in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, replacement for EU funds, and the rural skills needed for a just transition.

The Scottish Government is committed to sustainable rural development and ensuring that rural and island communities are treated fairly in policy making. Other commitments include sustainable economic growth, environmental protection, diversification of land ownership and support for community ownership of land.

You will be based in the Rural Communities Research Team at Saughton House. The Division includes economists, social researchers, operational researchers, science advisors and statisticians providing analysis on a wide ranging portfolio including environment, food and drink, agriculture, rural economy and communities.

**Job description**:

- Line management of two B2 social researchers.
- Providing analytical support for a range of policy teams, including Rural Economy, Rural Communities, Land Reform, Animal Welfare, Islands, and Agricultural policy units.
- Supporting the management of Strategic Research Programme - a five year programme of research on rural communities, rural economy and land reform being undertaken by the James Hutton Institute and Scotland’s Rural College.
- Working with policy teams to identify evidence needs.
- Overseeing the projects of the B2 researchers and providing feedback and advice.

**Responsibilities**:
2. Experience of critically evaluating data and other research evidence with high accuracy and perception to meet the needs of research users.

3. Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) when dealing with complex issues, to influence decision making and make an impact.

4. Substantial experience in planning and managing all stages of the research including research design, delivery, write up and dissemination.

**Benefits**:

- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension

Things you need to know

**Security**:
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

**Selection process details**:
To be confirmed

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

**Nationality requirements**:
This job is broadly open to the following groups:

- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

Further information on nationality requirements

**Working for the Civil Service**:
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

**Contact point for applicants**:
Job contact:
Name:
Graeme Beale

Recruitment team:
**Further information**: