Social researcher

Social researcher job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Key responsibilities of the job include:

• preparing tenders for research contracts
• receiving instructions and project briefs from clients
• outlining objectives
• directing/undertaking pilot studies and fieldwork
• collecting, analysing and interpreting qualitative and/or quantitative data
• writing reports
• identifying and advising about possible strategies
• controlling budgets
• managing staff.

Local, national and occasionally international travel may be required.

Typical employers of social researchers

• local authorities
• central government
• higher education establishments
• health authorities
• commercial market research organisations
• independent research institutes.

Jobs are advertised in national newspapers and the Social Research Associations' Newsletter. Speculative applications are advisable - The Directory of Social Research Organisations in the UK lists relevant employers. The social sciences section of Current Research in Britain (published annually) provides information about higher education/independent research projects.

Qualifications and training required

A good degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, although employers often require relevant qualifications in social research, business studies, mathematics or statistics. A postgraduate qualification and/or specialist knowledge may also be necessary for some positions. Relevant practical experience, particularly research experience, is advantageous.

Key skills for social researchers

• clearly presenting results orally or in writing
• excellent organisational skills
• presentation skills
• communication skills
• numerical skills
• computational skills
• analytical techniques

Familiarity with statistical methodology is also beneficial.