Research Assistant

Diffley Partnership; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A research consultancy is seeking an entry-level research assistant to support various research projects. The role involves tasks such as data analysis, client interaction, and preparing reports. Located in central Edinburgh, this 12-month fixed-term position requires a relevant degree and skills in MS Office. Ideal candidates will show motivation, strong communication skills, and the ability to organize tasks effectively. Applications are due by February 1, 2026, with potential interviews in mid-February.

Qualifications

• Experience in a research team for at least 3 months is desirable.
• Must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of this contract.

Responsibilities

• Assist on various research projects.
• Conduct research administration tasks.
• Assist with data analysis and visualisation.
• Interact with existing clients.
• Help in preparing research outputs including reports.

Skills

Qualitative research skills

Quantitative research skills

Analytical skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Software skills for analysis and visualisation

Ability to work to tight deadlines

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Positive and proactive attitude

Education

Degree or equivalent in social research related subject

Tools

MS Office 365

Job description

Summary of role

Gain experience of all aspects of research. This includes assisting on a wide variety of research commissions and assisting in preparation of proposals. We work for public sector, third sector and private sector clients on a whole range of topics. Our methods include surveys, focus groups and deliberative research projects.

As this is an entry-level role, this contract is for 12 months fixed-term.

Work pattern and place

Our team are based in our office in central Edinburgh. All our research roles involve working off-site to meet with clients or to conduct research fieldwork.

Working hours are largely Monday-Friday 9-5:30. From time to time, and with notice, fieldwork takes place out of these hours and days.

Reporting to

Head of Research

Key Responsibilities

• Assist on allocated research projects.
• Conduct research administration tasks for allocated projects.
• Assist with data and statistical analysis and data visualisation using statistical packages such as R and Excel.
• Assist with qualitative research, coding, and writing findings.
• Assist day-to-day interactions with existing clients.
• Assist with research outputs including written reports, visualisations and presentations.
• Assist in proposals for new work.

All employees cover for each other during planned and unplanned absence. In such cases you will be assigned tasks outside the normal scope of your role.

Aptitudes

All members of the research team are expected to possess these attributes.

• Highly motivated to develop skills.
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Highly analytical and numerate.
• Verbal communication skills.
• Written communication skills.
• Software skills for analysis and visualisation.
• Able to work to tight deadlines.
• Working well within a team and on own initiative.
• Organised and logical approach to work tasks.
• Positive and proactive approach to role responsibilities.

Essential experience

For this role, it is crucial you have:

• Degree or equivalent experience in social research related subject
• Confidence in using MS Office 365- Outlook, Excel, Word and Teams
• Right to work in the UK for the duration of this contract

Desirable experience

In addition to the above, you may have:

• At least 3 months work experience in a research team

Instructions for applications

To apply for this role please submit a cover letter and your CV in a single file (Word/ Pdf)

Deadline for submission is Sunday 1 February 2026

We aim to be back in touch with candidates to invite to interview on by Thursday 4 February. Please keep an eye on your junk mail for any correspondence from us.

We will hold interviews in our office, this is likely to be afternoon Friday 13 February or Tuesday 17 February.

As a small business, we do not give feedback to all applicants.

Please check your junk folder for any response from us. If you have not heard the outcome by end February, please assume you are not invited to interview.

For anyone interviewed we will let you know the outcome and offer you feedback.