Senior Operational Researcher
| Posting date: | 03 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £46,062 to £53,695 per year |
| Additional salary information: | National pay locations: Salford, Sheffield - £46,062 - £49,287. London pay locations: Croydon, Westminster - £50,182 - £53,695. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 23 March 2026 |
| Location: | Westminster |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 449257/4 |
Summary
The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.
The Protection and Enforcement Analysis and Insight unit, as part of Home Office Analysis and Insight (HOAI) strives to provide robust evidence to inform the development of new policies on irregular migration. The challenges in this policy area require innovative analytical solutions, which leads us to working across the vibrant HOAI community of over 700 analysts, with partners across government and with international partners to provide consistent and coherent analysis and insight to the Migration and Border system and the public.
The role will involve a mixture of stakeholder engagement and Operational Research (OR) analytical methods to deliver a strong impact across the asylum system. The successful candidate will not only deliver rigorous and assured analysis but also work to ensure those outputs are properly understood and used by our customers.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of analytical delivery in a high-profile and fast-paced environment. As part of the team you will be delivering impactful analysis to senior stakeholders influencing operational and ministerial decisions.
The Asylum Intake Modelling Team uses bespoke modelling to generate forecasts and scenarios which assist the Home Office in planning for the impact of migration to the UK. Working in collaboration with operational and policy stakeholders the analysis and insight our team produces is directly influencing their decision making.
The role will therefore involve using both technical expertise and stakeholder management in an environment that is both fast-paced and a policy priority.
Eligibility
For external applicants: If you have analytical skills but no formal Civil Service analytical profession badging, you are most welcome to apply. Successful applicants will become badged members of the profession.
Applicants must meet the qualification requirements for the profession as set out below.
Key Responsibilities
- Designing and delivering operational research projects with autonomy and a range of tools such as R and Python.
- A willingness to work flexibly across changing priorities while maintaining delivery of your core projects.
- Analysing quantitative and qualitative data to derive insights and develop scenarios to present a range of possible futures to stakeholders.
- Understanding and interpreting stakeholder requirements and communicating the results and implications of your analysis.
- Ensuring best practice across the team, for example in the use of version control and quality assurance.
- Driving innovation by working to improve our existing modelling suite and data collection processes.
Roles and responsibilities may be reviewed to ensure effective delivery and impact.
Working Pattern
This role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 4 days per week due to business requirements.
Travel
Occasional travel within the UK may be required. Travel costs incurred for business need will be reimbursed in line with Home Office travel policy.
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