Senior Research Scientist - Methods

Verian Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible arrangements

Meaningful public-interest projects

Professional development

Job summary

Verian is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join the UK Methods team in London. The role focuses on complex survey design, sampling frames, and weighting to support public sector projects. You will work with cross‑functional teams in Westminster and contribute to methodological innovation.

The position offers hybrid working arrangements, ongoing training, and opportunities to influence policy through robust research design and analysis of large-scale surveys.

Qualifications

• Formal qualification, such as a Bachelor’s degree with a significant statistics element.
• Master’s or Doctorate in a relevant topic preferred; doctorate with focus on research methodology encouraged.
• Experience with survey, administrative and large-scale datasets.

Responsibilities

• Apply statistical skills and methodological knowledge to diverse research projects.
• Undertake complex sampling, weighting, and multivariate analysis on client data.
• Review literature and contribute to development of new statistical techniques and routines.
• Contribute to bid documents and literature searches to shape methodological approach.
• Participate in cross-national methodological debate and present findings.
• Deliver high-quality work on time and to specification.

Skills

Survey methodology

Statistical principles

Data analysis

Weighting methods

Cross-national collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in statistics or related

Master's degree or Doctorate in a relevant topic

Job description

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Job Title: Senior Research Scientist - Methods

Team: Methods

Location: London, Millbank

Job type: Full time

Contract: Permanent, Hybrid

About Verian

Verian is a purpose-led company, delivering high-impact projects that shape public policy and drive social change. From education to health, crime to energy, our projects make a real difference.

With offices in 15 countries, our consultants and researchers advise government departments, regulators, charities, and other public sector organisations to make informed decisions and improve people’s lives.

Operating globally, Verian has offices across Europe, Asia Pacific, and the United States.

About the Team

The UK Methods team is a cross-company group of research design specialists and data analysts, providing technical and statistical support to Verian’s client teams. Based in Westminster and working closely with colleagues across the wider global business, the team supports a diverse range of research projects and methodological challenges.

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join our UK Methods team. This is a specialist methodological role with a principal focus on complex survey design, supporting research across our public sector client base.

Core tasks will include identifying and assessing sampling frames, designing and drawing random probability samples, sourcing robust population benchmarks, and developing weighting approaches that account for sample design and systematic non-response.

You will work on a variety of projects, including one-off studies of public sector service delivery and broader evaluations of policy in real-life contexts. You will also contribute to work that improves research design, including the analysis of paradata generated through large-scale social surveys.

This is an opportunity to apply advanced methodological and statistical expertise to research that informs public policy and contributes to understanding social change.

We do not expect you to arrive with expertise across every aspect of the role. The successful candidate will develop their skills on the job, working alongside senior methodologists and receiving support and training across different areas of survey methodology.

What You'll Do

• Apply your statistical skills and broader methodological knowledge to a variety of research projects
• Undertake client work including complex sampling, weighting, and multivariate analysis and interpretation of substantive data
• Contribute to development work, including investigation of new statistical techniques, software packages and routines, and reviewing methodological literature to support new components of the Verian offering
• Contribute to business generation work, including helping shape the methodological approach to proposed research projects, drafting elements of bid documents, and directing literature searches
• Participate in cross-national methodological debate and projects, including conference presentations and publications
• Deliver high-quality work on time and to specification

What You'll Bring

• Grounding in survey methodology and the statistical principles underpinning sampling, weighting, non-response and survey error
• Formal qualification, such as a Bachelor’s degree with a significant statistics element, or a Master’s degree or Doctorate in a relevant topic
  • Candidates that have completed a Doctorate with a focus on research methodology or have real-world experience that demonstrates an understanding of the principal statistical considerations underpinning research design are equally encouraged to apply
• A track record of working with survey, administrative and other large-scale datasets to answer research questions or prepare sample frames
• Detailed knowledge and experience of sample design and bias analysis
• Robust applied knowledge of generalised linear modelling techniques
• The ability to work collaboratively across the business and cross-national projects

Why Verian

• Join a dedicated Methods team where you can develop your expertise with support from experienced survey methodologists
• Work on socially meaningful projects in a supportive, collaborative environment
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements
• Develop your own areas of methodological expertise, with the support and opportunities to grow into a recognised specialist

We encourage applications from all sections of society and provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the application and interview process.