Senior Researcher (transport)

Positions

1

Band / Grade

A2

Salary

£53,000 – £60,000 per annum – depending on experience

Post Type

Concurrent

Contract Type

Permanent

Working Pattern

Full Time

Leave entitlement

Starting at 30 days per annum, pro-rata

Pension

Civil Service Pension Scheme

Closing Date

12th April 2023 at 23:55

Interview Date(s)

Interviews are provisionally scheduled to take place on 26th – 27th April 2023

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK’s thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).

Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.

Access to training and development.

Flexible working.

Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Research and Information team delivers research, information and other services for Members, their staff, House staff and the public.

Research and information services aimed primarily at Members and their staff are provided under the House of Commons Library brand. Research services are provided by eight sections, each responsible for research services in broad subject groupings. The Business and Transport Section provides briefing on transport, pensions, taxation, financial services and employment.

The Role

The postholder will provide briefing for MPs and their staff on transport policy alongside two other transport policy researchers. The postholder would be expected to specialise in particular modes of transport, ideally rail and/or local transport, as well as providing wider support on the transport portfolio. The transport portfolio includes rail, local transport (including buses), aviation, roads and road vehicles, active travel and decarbonisation.

The postholder will be expected to work with transport colleagues and more widely with the Business and Transport Section, supporting other subject areas where needed. They will work closely with colleagues in the statistics team while building up relationships with relevant select committees and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, as well as relevant external stakeholders.

Responsibilities:
Research and briefing work on transport policy within the Commons Library including:

Providing accurate, impartial, clear, fit-for-purpose written and oral briefings on legislation and topical issues on relevant subjects, in response to specific enquiries from Members and their staff.

Preparing and publishing briefing papers as required (e.g. on topical issues, second reading and report stages of major bills, or on matters of interest to Parliament) and updating them where there are frequent requests. This includes collaborating with colleagues when appropriate and commenting constructively on others’ work. See examples at https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/topic/economy-business/transport/

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will have the following skills/experience:

Excellent knowledge and understanding of UK transport policy and law, in particular rail or local transport

A good knowledge of current affairs and UK public policy

Ability to collate complex, technical material, relevant to a subject and to analyse, interpret and present it clearly for a non-specialist

Experience of using a wide range of information sources and research tools (including online) and ability to assess their value using sound judgement.

Ability to absorb complex and technical subject matter quickly

Next Steps and Additional Information

Application Form – If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1-5 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

The interview process will include a timed written test and an interview. If your application is successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to complete the test on 21 April 2023.