Social Researcher - (THIS IS NOT A REMOTE TRAINEESHIP)

The Social Researcher undertakes research projects to investigate a number of social issues and then report their findings. A social researcher will use a variety of methods to gather their information; this can include questionnaires, focus groups and interviews. Their survey's findings can be used to change social policies or to test the effectiveness of a current one.

Research could focus on topics such as:

• the benefits system
• crime
• education
• the environment
• gender
• healthcare
• population structure and migration
• poverty
• social services
• transport
• unemployment.

Key responsibilities of the job include:

• follow instructions from clients about the nature of the research to be carried out
• use an appropriate and creative methodology to design and manage a research projects, which may involve the use of quantitative and/or qualitative methods and may include both pilot and development work
• design and write questionnaires and surveys
• apply a range of research techniques to gather relevant information, including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews (face-to-face, telephone and online)
• develop and test theories
• liaise with and direct social research field interviewers to gather information
• carry out information and data retrieval searches using electronic databases
• analyse and evaluate research and interpret data using a range of statistical packages
• gather information by directing or carrying out fieldwork
• prepare, present and disseminate results in the form of reports, briefings, research papers and presentations
• offer research-based briefings and advice, which may involve writing action plans
• advise external bodies on social policy
• prepare and present tenders for new research projects.

Key skills 

• experience in quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies and using different research techniques
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• interpersonal skills to develop and maintain relationships
• report writing skills
• teamworking skills and the ability to work well on your own
• confidence in using Microsoft Office software, statistics packages and other data management tools, and research database packages
• project management skills to oversee all aspects of a research project right through from questionnaire design to the final report
• accuracy and attention to detail for handling data and reporting research findings
• a flexible approach to work, with the ability to work on several different research projects at once
• organisation skills, excellent time management and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.