Want to employ a researcher, but need help writing a job description? You’ve come to the right place.
This page will help you to put together a tempting job description aimed specifically at candidates who through their research can not only develop new services or products, but also predict trends and solve problems. That’s not all, you’ll also learn how to write one that will give prospective employees a good idea of what to expect when working at your company.
By: Iejaz Uddin – 31 August 2024
What does a Researcher do?
They play a pivotal role in carry out original, high-level research to fix problems, increase knowledge and progresses understanding of a particular subject. Researchers are at the heart of leading, developing and managing research programmes to advance a company’s mission. They are also responsible for applying their expertise, experience and skills to contribute to the publication of reports, articles and data.
As part of their technical competencies, they must also be able to set research priorities, develop research strategies, and oversee the deployment of resources to achieve objectives. Furthermore, they are involved in developing and nurturing the next generation of junior researchers and increasing the company’s capability and capacity for research.
How to write a researcher job description
A job description is a tool which helps you to decide who to recruit. Putting one together that includes all the responsibilities, objectives, requirements and salary of this role is not easy. That’s because you have to write a document against which you can measure a candidate’s past performance and future potential.
Kick off your recruitment campaign with an attention-grabbing job description and not a long and boring one. Follow the advice and tips below to craft one that focuses on the duties and responsibilities of the Researcher position, and not the personal traits of the individual performing it.
Researcher job description template
Below is a prewritten example that an employer can tweak to their vacancy’s unique specification. Advertise a vacancy by customizing the listed responsibilities and requirements according to the role’s specific needs.
Job description menu:
- Opening paragraph
- Candidate specifications
- About your company
- Benefits of working for your company
- Closing date
Opening paragraph
Start with a strong sentence that immediately grabs the readers attention. The first paragraph should give a brief overview of the role, allowing the reader to quickly gauge if they are qualified for the position.
Examples
- An opportunity has arisen to become a part of our experienced team.
- Want to join the country’s leading operator in the field of …………….? If so, here’s your chance.
Candidate specifications
- We are looking for a talented researcher who can quickly respond to internal and external queries about research.
- The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the company’s ambition to…..
- Working in close collaboration with others you will need to continuously initiate improvements in your own areas of responsibility.
- Applicants are required to have 5 years’ experience of performing a range of complex research projects with a significant quantitative element.
- The ideal candidate will have an analytical mind, good data processing skills and proven success in managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- We are looking for a special person who is not only dedicated, highly motivated and loyal to their work colleagues.
About your company
At ………….. (company name), equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded within the fabric of our organisation and are a key focus of our core values.
Our company gives its staff the tools and opportunities to grow, develop, advance, and progress their careers through internal training programmes.
Join a company that is built on team values, and which welcomes people with the drive and determination needed to develop a long-term career in the ……… industry.
To us success means much more than just profits, instead we aspire to be a company where people enjoy coming to work.
Benefits of working for your company
Competitive starting salary range from XXXX up to XXXX pro rata with the potential to progress.
Committed to building an ambitious, supportive, and inclusive environment in which researchers can excel.
This is a great chance to build a successful career in the field of ………. and also become an important team member of a global company.
Researcher main duties and responsibilities
- Gathering and then fact-checking relevant information, facts and figures.
- Collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to inform business decisions.
- Planning, co-ordinating and implementing research programmes.
- Writing up and then delivering presentations at conferences to large audiences.
- Ensuring the high quality of all Insight reports.
- Taking part in group meetings with other researchers and support staff.
- Carrying out desktop research through books, journal articles, newspaper sources, questionnaires and surveys.
- Writing up research work for publication.
- Developing detailed research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
- Designing, executing and analysing quantitative surveys.
- Carrying out any administrative and management work associated with the programme of research.
- Ensuring that research plans are in line with the company’s goals and objectives.
- Assisting with the design and planning of research projects, reports and publications.
- Providing line management responsibilities to junior researchers.
- Participating in internal and external meetings as needed.
- Coaching and supporting colleagues in developing their research techniques.
Experience required
- Acting as the principal investigator on research projects.
- Understanding of strengths and limitations of different research methods.
- Proven experience of presenting user research findings in a wide variety of formats and contexts.
- Contributing to research funding proposals and applications.
- Being able to develop original research agendas.
Key skills required
- Planning research by identifying the problem and then clearly stating what needs to be investigated to resolve it.
- Excellent written and rapport-building communication skills.
- Strong research skills to gather and analyse information from different sources.
- Networking skills to connect with industry professionals, potential clients, and candidates.
- Conveying complex information clearly, both orally and in print.
- Good understanding of the latest research methodologies.
- Strong statistical and mathematical aptitude.
- Practical experience in database management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Identifying gaps in research projects and coming up with ways to fix these.
- Experience in the handling and management of large datasets.
Researcher personal skills
- Can operate as part of a team of professionals made up of people from various cultures and backgrounds.
- Ability to work well under pressure and in an environment where deadlines have to be met.
- Committed to own professional development by keeping up to date with the latest developments and trends in the field of research.
- Accurate and clear written skills when producing questionnaires and reports.
- A willingness to learn new things and adapt to changing environments.
- Adaptable and resilient enough to overcome times when my research doesn’t provide me with the desired results.
- The ability to take responsibility and handle pressure.
Project Manager Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant discipline.
Employee benefits
- Excellent Employers Pension Contribution
- 30 days Annual leave plus Bank Holidays (Pro Rata)
- Discounted gym membership
- Employee assistance programme
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