Senior Researcher (Permanent) Criminal Justice, Scottish Parliament Information Centre Location: Hybrid working from the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh and from home Salary range: £53,800 to £64,609 (£56,875 to £68,301 FTE) Start date: May 2026 Leave: 41.5 days (including public holidays) Working Pattern: This is a part-time post, working 35 hours per week, based on a 37-hour FTE. We will be moving to a 35-hour FTE working week no later than March 2026 where the hours for the post will reduce to 33:06 hours. This is a hybrid role, working from Holyrood, and from home. Pension: Civil Service pension arrangements with an employer contribution of 28.97% of basic annual salary Clearance Required: CTC security clearance will be processed at job offer stage Closing Date: 11 :59 pm on Wednesday 11 February 2026 Want to make a difference in one of the most influential places in Scotland? Now is your chance! This is a great opportunity to join the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) as a Senior Researcher. SPICe comprises a research and information service and supports the scrutiny and legislative functions of the Parliament. We provide impartial, accurate and timely research, information and briefings to Members of the Scottish Parliament, their staff, and Parliamentary staff. Working within the Justice and Social Affairs Research Unit, a team of 12, youll share responsibility with another Senior Researcher for the Parliaments work on criminal justice. Youll be involved in answering enquiries on a wide range of subjects, including police, prisons, courts, prosecution, criminal law, childrens hearings and the justice budget; and other relevant topics as required. Youll prepare committee briefings and analysis to help MSPs scrutinise the related policies of the Scottish Government, and youll publish briefings and blog articles on relevant issues. Were looking for an experienced researcher with detailed knowledge of the criminal justice policy area.Youll be an excellent communicator who is able to produce comprehensive briefings with brevity, accuracy and impartiality, and have a commitment to producing high quality research and analysis. Youll demonstrate a high level of personal credibility with excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships. If youre looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the Parliaments vision, wed love to hear from you. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a Minority Ethnic background and Disabled candidates. All appointments will be made on merit. We have a values-based culture of respect and inclusion embedded in our organisation, and everyone has the ability to make a difference. We offer a great range of benefits including: 41.5 leave days (including public holidays), flexible working, paid professional subscriptions, family-friendly policies, Season Ticket advance loans, an onsite gym facility, Health and Wellbeing Schemes including discounted gym membership, a confidential counselling and information service, and the Cycle to Work Scheme. Youll also have the opportunity to join the Alpha Civil Service pension scheme, where well offer you an employer contribution of up to 28.97% of your basic salary. For full information about this role and to apply for this job, visit our website. Please visit the recruitment process for hints and tips on your application.