Research Scientist jobs in Scotland

About the Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission is the UK’s independent body overseeing elections and regulating political finance. Everything we do is about ensuring trust, participation, and integrity in the democratic process.

As we continue to deliver our five-year Corporate Plan, the Commission is building on a period of growth and change, expanding our workforce and modernising how we deliver our services to better support the needs of a changing democracy. As our organisation develops and adapts to meet future challenges, this post will play a vital part in supporting that progress and helping ensure we remain responsive to the democratic needs of voters, campaigners, parties and electoral administrators across the UK.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Electoral Commission as a Senior Research Officer and contribute directly to strengthening democracy across the UK. Research plays a critical role in informing the Commission's work, helping us understand the experiences of voters, campaigners and electoral administrators, evaluate electoral events, and provide robust evidence to support policy development and decision-making.

Working within a dynamic research environment, you will lead quantitative research projects, from initial design through to analysis and reporting. You will work closely with colleagues across the Commission and manage relationships with external research suppliers to ensure projects are delivered to a high standard and provide meaningful insight.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing research projects using primarily quantitative methodologies
• Collecting/ quality assuring/ analysing/ reporting on data provided by local authorities to the commission including voter registration and electoral administrative data.
• Analysing complex data and translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations
• Managing commissioned research and relationships with external suppliers
• Producing reports, briefings and presentations for a variety of audiences
• Promoting research findings through publications, stakeholder engagement and events
• Providing expert insight on issues relating to electoral registration, elections, referendums and political finance
• Supporting planning activities, budget monitoring and the successful delivery of the wider research programme

About the team

You will join the Research Team, which is responsible for delivering the Commission's research programme and providing the evidence base that underpins our regulatory, policy and public engagement work.

The team works across a broad portfolio of high-profile projects, including public opinion research, electoral data analysis, evaluations of elections and referendums, and research into political finance. The team's insights help shape Commission priorities, inform stakeholders across the electoral community, and contribute to improving democratic participation and transparency throughout the UK.

The team is collaborative, supportive and committed to delivering high-quality research with real-world impact. Working closely with colleagues from across the organisation, you will have opportunities to develop your expertise while contributing to work that directly influences the democratic process.

Who we’re looking for

We're looking for an experienced researcher with strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment. You will be confident working with a range of stakeholders, presenting evidence clearly, and using research to support informed decision-making.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience designing, managing and delivering complex research projects
• Strong knowledge of quantitative research methods
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to interpret complex information and communicate findings effectively to different audiences
• Experience managing relationships with external research suppliers or stakeholders
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to deadlines
• Strong knowledge of excel. Experience with Power BI useful although not essential.

• Why work for us?

  This is an opportunity to deliver research that has a tangible impact on democracy in the UK. You will work on high-profile projects that influence electoral policy, regulation and practice, while developing your expertise across a diverse and challenging research portfolio.

  The role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders, opportunities to shape strategic decisions, and excellent professional development within a respected and independent organisation.

  The Office:

  Our offices provide welcoming, collaborative spaces where colleagues can connect, share ideas and work together across teams. Whether based in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh or working remotely, you will be part of a supportive working environment that balances the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of hybrid working.

  The Benefits:

  We offer a strong total reward package, including

  • Flexible working and hybrid model for office-based staff, with a minimum of 40% of working time spent in the office
  • Flexi-time scheme, allowing flexible hours with the option to accrue and take flexi leave
  • 28 days annual leave (raising to 30 days) + Bank holidays
  • Civil Service pension scheme (28.97% employer contribution)
  • Performance-related pay

Job contact :

• Name : Talent Acquisition Team
• Email : recruitment@electoralcommission.org.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@electoralcommission.org.uk