Senior Researcher - Criminal Justice
| Posting date: | 29 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £53,800 to £64,609 per year, pro rata |
| Additional salary information: | including: 41.5 leave days (including public holidays), flexible working, paid professional subscriptions, family-friendly policies, Season Ticket advance loans, an onsite gym, 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 28.97% of your basic salary. |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 11 February 2026 |
| Location: | The Scottish Parliament |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 3 days per week |
| Company: | The Scottish Parliament |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
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 within the Justice and Social Affairs Research Unit, a team of 12, you’ll share responsibility with another Senior Researcher for the Parliament’s work on criminal justice. You’ll be involved in answering enquiries on a wide range of subjects, including police, prisons, courts, prosecution, criminal law, children’s hearings and the justice budget; and other relevant topics as required. 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 criminal justice policy area. 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.
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 Justice and Social Affairs Research Unit, a team of 12, you’ll share responsibility with another Senior Researcher for the Parliament’s work on criminal justice. You’ll be involved in answering enquiries on a wide range of subjects, including police, prisons, courts, prosecution, criminal law, children’s hearings and the justice budget; and other relevant topics as required. 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 criminal justice policy area. 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.