Senior Researcher

Fixed Term, Senior Researcher, Rural Affairs, Agriculture and Land Use, Scottish Parliament
Information Centre

• 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

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.

Closing date: 11:59 pm on 14 July 2024.