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Research Officer

  • Job
    Full-time
    Mid Level
  • Data
    Research & Development
  • Newport, +1
  • 4hrs left

AI generated summary

  • You should have a relevant degree (2:1 or 2:2) or equivalent, be a Government Social Research member, and possess strong applied social research experience and skills in analysis and communication.
  • You will analyze data, produce publications, develop methodologies, assist users, conduct qualitative research, design surveys, and report findings using statistical software.

Requirements

  • **Job Requirements:**
  • Hold, or expect to get during this academic year, an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1 (or postgraduate degree in addition to an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2) in a social science related subject where at least 30% of the modules or credits, excluding dissertation modules, included social research content.
  • Already be a member of the Government Social Research profession.
  • Hold, or expect to get during this academic year, an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1 (or postgraduate degree in addition to an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2) in any subject or hold a degree equivalent (for example, an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), and have at least four years of successful experience of working in applied social research in which strong analytical skills have been clearly demonstrated.
  • Delivering at Pace.
  • Working Together.
  • GSR Skill: Technical (Identifying research needs, designing & specifying research).
  • GSR Skill: Technical (Analysis & interpretation).
  • GSR Skill: Using and promoting social research (Communication of research evidence & analysis and Championing social research).

Responsibilities

  • Production and publication of high-quality National Statistics on a range of social and subject matters
  • Discrete pieces of analysis to provide context and understanding around statistical outputs
  • Development of new methods, production systems and reporting/dissemination to make sure we meet data users’ changing needs
  • Answering queries from customers and departments on ad-hoc analyses or standard outputs; helping customers make best use of our statistics
  • Assisting with research to understand administrative datasets and how they can be used in the production of official statistics
  • Producing supporting documentation including metadata, operational or quality and methodology documentation
  • Contributing to quality assurance and production of statistical or research publications
  • Conducting qualitative research (including focus groups, cognitive interviewing, pop-up research, usability testing and so on) with the public and analysis of findings
  • Designing and developing questionnaires for social and economic surveys (suitable for paper, telephone, face-to-face and online self-completion) using qualitative research methods
  • Reporting findings through presentations, at ‘show and tell’ meetings, and through papers to a variety of audiences, both in the UK and internationally
  • Liaising closely with other staff across ONS to share knowledge and develop expertise
  • Using specialist statistical software such as R, Python or equivalent to support this research

FAQs

Do we support remote work?

Yes, we support remote work in a hybrid format, with a minimum office attendance requirement of 40%.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Research Officer?

The primary responsibilities include producing high-quality National Statistics, conducting analyses, developing new methods, answering queries, and conducting qualitative research.

What qualifications are required for the Research Officer position?

Candidates must hold, or expect to obtain, an undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2:1 (or a postgraduate degree with a minimum of 2:2) in a social science-related subject or meet the criteria for other specified routes.

Is there an eligibility form that needs to be submitted with the application?

Yes, candidates must complete and submit the RO Eligibility form along with their application.

What is the salary for the Research Officer position?

The salary for the Research Officer position is £32,975, with an additional contribution to the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

What technical skills will be assessed during the selection process?

Technical skills assessed will include identifying research needs, analysis and interpretation, and communication of research evidence.

Will there be a Knowledge Test for candidates?

Yes, candidates who apply for the role will be invited to complete an online GSR Skills Knowledge Test.

What is the closing date for applications?

The closing date for applications is 17/09/2024.

What kind of work-life balance does the Office for National Statistics offer?

ONS offers flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance, in line with its hybrid working policies.

Are there opportunities for professional development at ONS?

Yes, ONS provides exposure to a range of projects and the chance to learn from topic experts, helping you to become an expert yourself.

What benefits does the Office for National Statistics offer?

ONS offers various benefits including a competitive salary, pension contributions, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.

Is there a reserve list for this position?

Yes, if there are more successful applicants than available positions, a reserve list may be maintained for up to 12 months.

Are there any nationality requirements for applicants?

Yes, the role is open to UK nationals, EU nationals with settled status, and others who meet specific nationality criteria.

What should I include in my research proposal for the application?

The research proposal should focus on a current topic where social research could provide useful insights for the government and will be assessed against specific GSR technical skills.

How will the interview assessment process be conducted?

The interview assessment will be conducted online via video conference and will include a presentation and interview to assess competence.

The UK's largest independent producer of official statistics and the recognised national statistical institute of the UK

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1001-5000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

We’re the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics. The statistics we gather make a real difference, helping people make important decisions for the nation and our communities on everything from health and education to the environment and the cost of living. We’re responsible for the census that happens every ten years and share information and analysis about some of the UK’s most topical issues. Based on feedback from colleagues, the ONS has been named by Glassdoor as one of the best places to work in the UK in 2023. We’re the first Civil Service department to make it into the top 50.