The Scottish Parliament
Senior Researcher, Europe, External Affairs and Governance, Scottish Parliament Information Centre
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Salary range: £58,866 to £70,692
Location: Hybrid working from the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh and from home
Contract: Permanent
Leave: 41.5 days (including public holidays)
Working Pattern: This is a full-time permanent post, working 35 hours per week. This is a hybrid role, working from Holyrood, and from home.
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
Closing Date: 12 noon on Wednesday 26 August 2026
If you want to make a difference in one of the most influential workplaces in Scotland, this is your opportunity.
This is a great chance 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 within the Environment, Rural, Constitution and International Research Unit, you’ll be responsible for supporting the work of the Parliament on European and External Affairs. You’ll also – and as agreed with your line manager - provide grade equivalent support to the Senior Researcher on devolution, constitution and parliament policy issues (these are noted as ‘Governance’ in the Job Description and other materials). You may be expected to cover other relevant topics as required.
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As well as answering enquiries from MSPs, their staff and staff of the Parliament, you’ll prepare committee briefings and analysis to help MSPs scrutinise draft legislation, and the work and policies of the Scottish Government. You’ll publish briefings and blog articles on relevant issues and be expected to deliver oral briefings as required. You’ll also work across the Parliament to support corporate and strategic work linked to your areas of expertise.
We’re looking for an experienced researcher with detailed knowledge of European and External Affairs topic areas. Some knowledge of devolution, constitution and parliament policy areas would also be beneficial.
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.
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We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a Minority Ethnic background and Disabled candidates. 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 (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.
For full information about this role and to apply for this job, click apply. Please visit the recruitment process for hints and tips on your application.
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