Researcher Job Description
Hire a methodical, evidence-focused Researcher to design and deliver robust studies, analyse complex data and turn findings into clear recommendations for stakeholders.
What does a Researcher professional do?
A Researcher plans and runs studies, collects and analyses data, and communicates results; roles vary from lab-based science to social policy research and can require a degree and experience with research methods and ethics.
Researcher job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Researcher
About the role
[Insert Company Name] is seeking a Researcher to join our team in [Insert Location]. You will design and deliver research projects, collect and analyse quantitative and/or qualitative data, prepare reports and presentations, and work with stakeholders to translate findings into practical recommendations. This role may involve fieldwork, laboratory work or desk-based analysis depending on project needs.
Key responsibilities
- Design and plan research projects, including defining aims, methodology and data collection instruments
- Collect, clean and manage data using appropriate methods (surveys, interviews, experiments, secondary sources or lab techniques)
- Analyse data using statistical and/or qualitative analysis techniques and prepare clear visualisations
- Write technical reports, briefing notes and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
- Ensure all work complies with research ethics, data protection and relevant governance procedures
- Collaborate with colleagues, partners and external stakeholders to meet project milestones
- Contribute to funding applications, literature reviews and dissemination activities (conferences, publications, policy briefings)
- Supervise or mentor junior researchers or research assistants where required
Essential skills and experience
- Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (science, social science, statistics, or related field)
- Practical experience of research methods relevant to the role (qualitative, quantitative or lab techniques)
- Proficiency with data handling and analysis tools (e.g. statistical software, spreadsheet tools or qualitative analysis packages)
- Good written and verbal communication, including report-writing and presenting findings
- Understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and data protection (GDPR)
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc, MRes or PhD) relevant to the research area
- Experience publishing research outputs or contributing to peer-reviewed papers
- Experience with grant writing or supporting funding bids
- Familiarity with specific tools or platforms used in the field (specify in advert if essential)
- Experience of supervising junior staff or coordinating multi-partner projects
What we offer
- Competitive salary (insert band or range) and annual pay review
- Generous annual leave entitlement (insert number) plus public holidays
- Employer pension contribution
- Flexible working options, including hybrid or part-time arrangements
- Professional development budget and training opportunities
- Support for conference attendance and publication costs
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Researcher role?
A Researcher develops and executes studies to generate reliable evidence for decision-making. They select appropriate methods, gather and analyse data, and produce written and verbal outputs for academic, commercial or policy audiences. Work can include fieldwork, lab experiments, surveys or secondary-data analysis and usually involves collaboration with colleagues, funders and stakeholders to translate findings into actionable recommendations.
Typical day
A mix of planning, data collection or lab work, analysis, report-writing and stakeholder meetings.
Team and reporting
Works within a research team and reports to a principal investigator, research lead or project manager.
Key outputs
Research reports, academic papers, policy briefings, datasets and presentations.
Qualification level
Most roles require a relevant degree; postgraduate qualifications are common for senior or specialist posts.
Typical Researcher responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Design
Design and plan research projects, including defining aims, methodology and data collection instruments
Collect
Collect, clean and manage data using appropriate methods (surveys, interviews, experiments, secondary sources or lab techniques)
Analyse data using statistical and/or
Analyse data using statistical and/or qualitative analysis techniques and prepare clear visualisations
Write technical reports
Write technical reports, briefing notes and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
Ensure all work complies with research ethics
Ensure all work complies with research ethics, data protection and relevant governance procedures
Collaborate with colleagues
Collaborate with colleagues, partners and external stakeholders to meet project milestones
Contribute
Contribute to funding applications, literature reviews and dissemination activities (conferences, publications, policy briefings)
Supervise or mentor junior researchers
Supervise or mentor junior researchers or research assistants where required
Researcher skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (science, social science, statistics, or related field)
- Practical experience of research methods relevant to the role (qualitative, quantitative or lab techniques)
- Proficiency with data handling and analysis tools (e.g. statistical software, spreadsheet tools or qualitative analysis packages)
- Good written and verbal communication, including report-writing and presenting findings
- Understanding of, and commitment to, research ethics and data protection (GDPR)
Useful where relevant
- Postgraduate qualification (MSc, MRes or PhD) relevant to the research area
- Experience publishing research outputs or contributing to peer-reviewed papers
- Experience with grant writing or supporting funding bids
- Familiarity with specific tools or platforms used in the field (specify in advert if essential)
- Experience of supervising junior staff or coordinating multi-partner projects
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Researcher job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Specify the research methods
State whether the role focuses on qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, lab work or fieldwork so candidates can self-select appropriately.
Be clear about outputs and expectations
List the types of deliverables (reports, publications, datasets) and any targets such as papers or grant support.
Use precise requirements for software and techniques
Name specialist tools only when they are genuinely needed; otherwise describe the skill (e.g. 'statistical analysis' rather than 'SPSS only').
State contract length and funding
For fixed-term or grant-funded posts, include contract duration and renewal prospects to set expectations.
Researcher salary considerations
Research salaries vary widely by sector, funding source, seniority and location. Instead of a single figure, consider the main factors that determine pay and be transparent about the band or funding arrangement in the advert.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Researcher candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
Is this a fixed-term or permanent role?
Experienced candidates will want to know contract length, renewal prospects and whether funding is secured for the full term.
Who will I report to and how large is the team?
Applicants want clarity on supervision, collaborative opportunities and whether they will mentor or be mentored.
Is travel or fieldwork required?
Specify expected travel frequency, locations and whether expenses are covered or subsistence provided.
What data access and tools will be available?
Candidates need to know about datasets, software licences and IT support for their analysis work.
What are the main deliverables and timelines?
Detail expected outputs (reports, papers, datasets) and typical project milestones to set realistic expectations.
Are there development or publication support opportunities?
Applicants look for mentoring, training budgets, conference funding and assistance with publishing or career progression.
Where to post a Researcher job
Think about where people with the relevant skills look first: academic and professional networks for university or funded posts; specialist sector job boards for clinical, scientific or policy research; and broad national job sites or LinkedIn for cross-sector roles. Also target local university career services, research societies and mailing lists if you need candidates with specific disciplinary backgrounds.
Related research & development / social science / scientific research job descriptions
Recruiting for a slightly different role? These templates may be a closer fit.
Researcher job description FAQs
How should I shortlist research candidates?
Shortlist against essential criteria first (methodological competence, relevant experience, ethics awareness). Use a scoring matrix to compare candidates on demonstrable skills and outputs rather than solely on qualifications.
When is a PhD genuinely required?
A PhD is appropriate for specialist, academic or senior roles where original research design, publication record or independent project leadership is expected. For many applied research posts a relevant MSc and strong practical experience are sufficient.
Do I need to mention software by name in the advert?
Only list specific tools if they are essential to carry out the role from day one. Otherwise describe the required competency (e.g. 'statistical analysis' or 'qualitative coding') and offer training where feasible.
What checks should be done for research hires?
Typical checks include employment references, qualifications verification and any role-specific checks such as DBS for regulated work or compliance with institutional ethics approvals.
How can I attract strong research candidates on a limited budget?
Offer clear development opportunities, publication support, conference funding, flexible working and visible career pathways. Be transparent about contract length and prospects to attract applicants seeking relevant experience.
Ready to create your Researcher advert?
Use this template to draft a clear, role-specific advert and include key details about the methods, outputs and contract. When ready, advertise through appropriate sector channels to reach suitable candidates.
