Social Science Lead

Eligibility

This is a bicameral role and applications are invited from House of Commons, House of Lords and Parliamentary Digital Service staff.

Introduction  

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) is an office of both Houses of Parliament, supported by an advisory Board that includes Members of both Houses and external experts. It is the main bridge between the research community and the UK Parliament.

The Role  

This is a fixed term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of extension or permanence.

The role primarily involves the provision of briefing for select committees, MPs and their staff on a wide range of policy topics where SHAPE (social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy) skills can provide specific insights. As the postholder you will be required to work widely with colleagues from across Parliament, including from select committees and the libraries, as well as relevant external stakeholders.

Some of the role specific responsibilities are:

• Research and compile briefing material, drawing on external advice and expertise, to support the scrutiny of a wide range of subjects in social science policy. Research projects range from ad hoc briefings and providing social science advice on other advisers’ projects to more formal peer-reviewed briefings (‘POSTnotes’) that will require an ability to research areas you may not already be familiar with
• Assist parliamentary select committees, e.g. by providing written or oral briefings on social science topics. This may include designing research projects and the analysis of evidence
• Develop and maintain a network of stakeholders to ensure that you have a good understanding of parliamentary, policy and scientific developments relevant to your area and to ensure that Parliament has access to the best available evidence and expertise
• Line manage the Social Science Advisor and to administer fellows and fellowship schemes

Skills and Experience  

The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:  

• Evidence of excellent research methods and analytical skills with demonstrable experience of synthesising research and data from a range of sources and of distilling key issues
• Evidence of people management skills, with experience of setting realistic objectives, monitoring performance, giving feedback, and supporting development or able to demonstrate the ability to develop these skills
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain professional networks and successful working relationships with a wide range of people inside and outside the House at all levels and from all backgrounds, whilst promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion

Next Steps and Additional Information 

Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1 - 5 in the Job Description

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.  

The interview process will include a written test and an interview.  Further details will be provided if your application is successfully shortlisted for an interview.