Your research skills could shape national policies.

About us

At the Home Office, we work to make the UK safer, fairer and more prosperous. That means tackling threats like terrorism and organised crime, standing up to modern slavery and trafficking, shaping drugs policy, and managing immigration and passport services.

Home Office Analysis and Insight (HOAI) is part of the Science, Technology, Analysis and Research Group, bringing together professional analysts from across the department into a single, customer-driven organisation. HOAI is headed by a Director of Analysis and Insight, serving the entire department. It consists of 800+ analysts across various analytical professions (Economics, Statistics, Operational and Social Research).

About the role

As a Senior Research Officer, you’ll work with other social researchers, statisticians, economists, and policy teams to deliver analysis and insight that really matters. The kind that helps shape high-profile decisions on crime, migration, and national security.

In this role, you’ll bring your skills to lead and manage research from start to finish. That includes designing, analysing, writing up your findings, and sharing them in ways that resonate. Whether you’re working on quantitative or qualitative projects, you’ll help make sure our departments’ decisions are timely, thoughtful, and grounded in evidence.

There’s no single path with us, just plenty of possibilities. Your research could influence the rollout of a national programme, support frontline delivery, or build the bigger picture for long-term change. Whichever direction your work takes, you’ll always know it’s having a real, lasting impact.

About you

You’ve got good applied, practical experience across quantitative, qualitative, and/or evaluation methods, working in places where rigour and relevance matter: academia, government, research agencies, or similar settings. Clear communication is one of your strengths and you’re able to confidently explain complex findings and adapt your message to different audiences.

• Route 1: You hold a minimum 2:2 degree in a social science subject, with around a third of your modules focused on social research methods.
• Route 2: You may hold a 2.2 in any subject or hold a degree equivalent (for example, an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS) and have at least 4 years' relevant experience as a practising social researcher.

Alternatively, you are already a badged Government Social Researcher (GSR), applying your expertise in a government context.

Working pattern: Full time, part time (min 4 days/week) and compressed hours are available (subject to business need). Please note, this role will be 60% office-based.

For further detail, click apply to view the full job detail on civilservicejobs.

Training and development

Your development is important to us, so we’ll give you every opportunity to grow your existing skills and gain some new ones too. As a member of the GSR community, you’ll have access to continued support through a range of social research and wider developmental opportunities. Plus, you’ll have access to social research opportunities advertised across many government departments.

Application process

Click here to view the full details on the application process and to apply.

Closing date:9 September 2025.