Social Researcher
| Posting date: | 17 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,765 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 March 2026 |
| Location: | York, North Yorkshire |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 449003 |
Summary
We are looking to fill two Research Officer posts in Defra’s Farming Evidence team. You will support work across the Farming and Countryside Directorate, principally providing social research advice in support of the Government’s approach to agricultural policy delivery. These are policy-focused posts within an interdisciplinary evidence team and will enable social science input to inform a range of policy and delivery activities to support key outcomes including net zero, economic growth, water quality and food production.
Working in a flexible analytical team, and directly with policy, means this role is ideal for anyone looking to develop their research skills and influence policy. You will have the opportunity to help shape key policy and scheme delivery decisions to deliver ambitious public benefit outcomes.
The postholders will be responsible for a mix of qualitative and quantitative work covering both an understanding of the current issues affecting farming and also evaluation of the impacts of policies, including economic support schemes aimed at farm businesses in England. Some work is commissioned but most is undertaken in-house, using existing evidence as well as being responsible for new survey data and qualitative data from interviews and group discussions. There will be opportunities for primary research including designing and undertaking surveys and interviews. An interest in farming, the environment and evaluation welcomed but experience in these areas is not essential.
Working in a flexible analytical team, and directly with policy, means this role is ideal for anyone looking to develop their research skills and influence policy. You will have the opportunity to help shape key policy and scheme delivery decisions to deliver ambitious public benefit outcomes.
The postholders will be responsible for a mix of qualitative and quantitative work covering both an understanding of the current issues affecting farming and also evaluation of the impacts of policies, including economic support schemes aimed at farm businesses in England. Some work is commissioned but most is undertaken in-house, using existing evidence as well as being responsible for new survey data and qualitative data from interviews and group discussions. There will be opportunities for primary research including designing and undertaking surveys and interviews. An interest in farming, the environment and evaluation welcomed but experience in these areas is not essential.
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