Line manager: Head of Policy 

Line management responsibility: none 

Term: Permanent and full-time (applications for job shares will also be considered) 
 

Founded in 1834, the Royal Statistical Society (RSS) is one of the world’s leading organisations advocating for the importance of statistics and data. We’re a professional body for all statisticians and data scientists – wherever they may live. 
 

We have more than 12,000 individual members in the UK and across the world. As a charity, we advocate for the key role of statistics and data in society, and work to ensure that policy formulation and decision making are informed by evidence for the public good.  
 

We are looking to hire a policy researcher to work in our small, dynamic communications and policy team. You will conduct substantial research projects – involving both independent research and engaging with stakeholders – alongside developing new research projects and seeking external funding to support them. 
 

The initial focus of the role will be on completing a research project with EPSRC, to analyse their funding data to explore whether there is any evidence of bias in how their grants are awarded. We have also secured funding for a second project (lasting three months) that work will start on when the first project is completed. 
 

The initial policy projects focus on equality, diversity and inclusion – and this is a thematic area where the society is currently conducting research so may be a focus for future work. Other campaign areas that we are looking to fund research in include: cost of living, education and skills, AI and climate change. 
 

The ideal candidate will have at least three years’ experience either as an academic researcher or in public policy or politics roles, and a track record of delivering impactful research-based projects. Quantitative research skills (eg, data analysis, data visualisation and programming) would be an advantage. Candidates should have a proven ability to identify new research projects and take them through to delivery. Evidence of having successfully bid for external project-based funding would be an advantage. 
 

Pension and benefits: Our defined contribution pension scheme can be joined after three months in post. Your contributions of up to 8% of salary will be double matched by the Society (making a maximum contribution by the Society of 16%). A training budget, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme and employee assistance programme are also available.  
 

Location: The RSS office is in central London and open twice a week. We offer flexible working arrangements and office attendance is encouraged but not mandatory depending on the role. In person attendance for certain meetings is required (including all staff/team meetings and governance/committee meetings that take place in person). Limited travel within the UK and internationally may be required. 
 

Working hours: 35 per week full-time. Applications for job shares, part-time and flexible working will also be considered.  

Holidays: 25 days per annum, plus bank holidays and an additional close down between Christmas and New Year. 

Probation: This post is subject to a six-month probation period.  
 

Main duties: 

• To independently lead research projects . 

• To effectively communicate the findings of your research with a view to maximising impact. 

• To organise and coordinate events to support research projects. 

• To engage with government bodies, think tanks and other organisations with a relevant policy interest. 

• To write, co-ordinate or edit relevant RSS policy documents – such as reports, consultation responses or letters. 

• To develop relationships with influencers and develop partnerships to increase the impact of our work. 

• To support communications, working closely with the head of media and external relations. 

• To develop policy research project plans and proposals and attract external funding to support this work. 

• To develop data visualisations and graphics for use in reports or on social media. 
   

Essential 

• Experience of social science research, public policy making or influencing. 

• Experience of working on or analysing public policy.  

• Good relationship-building skills, both internally and externally - plus sensitivity in working with members and volunteers. 

• Experience of convening stakeholders to deliver policy or public affairs work. 

• Experience of developing research projects 

• Ability to write clear, well-structured reports on policy issues. 

• Good political and media antennae. 

• Ability to communicate efficiently, effectively and succinctly 

• Time-management and work prioritisation skills. 

 

Desirable 

• Experience successfully attracting funding for work. 

• Knowledge of the research area of strategic significance to the RSS. 

• Experience of delivering time-limited research projects. 

• A demonstrable interest in at least one of: statistics and data; science and innovation policy; promoting mathematical or scientific literacy; evidence-based policy making. 

Please submit your CV and a covering letter to Jonathan Everett, RSS head of policy at j.everett@rss.org.uk.  

The deadline for applications is 12pm (noon) on Tuesday 6 August. We may arrange interviews before the deadline has passed. 
 

The covering letter should be a maximum of two sides of A4 and cover why you are interested in the role as well as how you meet the job specific competencies.  
 

Any questions about the role should also be directed to Jonathan at the above email. Likewise, if you are interested in applying but cannot do so until nearer the deadline, please email Jonathan to register your interest.