Social Researcher
Application Deadline: 18 January 2026
Department: Data and Intelligence
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Sheffield Head Office
Reporting To: Principal: Insights and Analysis Insight
Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year
Description
* Hours: 37 hours (Full Time)
* Contract: Fixed Term - 24 Months
* Salary: Grade 10 £47,181 - £50,269
* Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
Are you passionate about using research to improve outcomes for the people of South Yorkshire?
We’re looking for a skilled and experienced Social Researcher who can lead complex projects, translate evidence into meaningful insight and is confident working across disciplines with diverse stakeholders.
This is an exciting time to join South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. As a Strategic Authority, we’re unlocking the highest level of powers and funding through devolution, including eligibility for an integrated settlement from April 2026. This means we can better align the priorities of our communities with how we invest in their future.
Our Mayor’s commitments—spanning growth, communities, the environment, and health—are underpinned by six principles that guide how we work. As part of this, we’re expanding our analytical capacity and capability, putting evidence at the heart of our thinking and embracing innovative approaches.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal. Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.
About the role
This new role will generate insight from research and provide expert advice to senior leaders, focusing on Mayoral priorities and embedding our principles in everything we do.
You’ll design, procure, commission and manage research projects that put people at the heart of decision‑making, identifying and reporting on social trends that matter to South Yorkshire.
What You’ll Be Doing:
* Lead the scoping and design of research projects, working with senior leaders to influence policy and service design.
* Review and synthesise the findings of existing research to inform evidence‑based policies.
* Identify and apply the most appropriate research methods to collect robust evidence.
* Procure, commission and manage qualitative and quantitative research projects, creating primary datasets in line with ethical standards.
* Analyse data to generate insight, ensuring quality assurance throughout.
* Produce clear, engaging reports and presentations tailored to a range of audiences, including senior officers and the public.
* Build strong relationships with external partners, including local authorities and universities.
* Manage multiple research projects simultaneously, working with external suppliers to maintain pace and quality.
About you
* Education to degree level, with relevant training in social research.
* Proven experience applying qualitative research methods and conducting qualitative analysis.
* Strong statistical analytical skills, including designing data collection or evaluation methods.
* In‑depth knowledge of legal and ethical aspects of data collection and disclosure control.
* Experience managing multiple research projects from scoping to dissemination.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex insight to non‑technical audiences and senior stakeholders.
* Ability to build collaborative relationships with analysts and policy colleagues internally and externally.
Please refer to the full person specification in the role profile when submitting your application.
Benefits
* Holiday Entitlement: From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro‑rata for part‑time colleagues.
* Annual Leave Purchase Scheme: The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
* Hybrid working: Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
* Flexible Hours Scheme: Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time‑off in the form of Flexi‑Leave or banked Annual Leave.
* Rewarding You: Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle‑to‑Work schemes.
* Training on the job: Support with upskilling skills through on‑the‑job training and qualifications.
* Professional Membership Fees: Where membership to professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.
All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment; all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.
Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.
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