Director, Research Methods

Full Job Description

Director, Research Methods

Permanent, Full Time

Hybrid working: 3 days a week in the office 2 days working from home

Location : London Westminster

Verian has chronicled the changing social, political and business landscape of the UK over an uninterrupted nine decades. In 2024, we focus on delivering tailored research and consultancy services to policy makers working at the highest levels of national government. Our team is based in the heart of Westminster and comprises nearly 150 FTE staff in a variety of roles and each with strong links to the wider global business.

We are now seeking a Director to join our Methods team , a cross-company group of research design specialists. This is a full-time, permanent hybrid home/office role and the successful applicant will report to a Senior Director within the Methods team.

In this role, you will work across our client base, focusing on

• The design and evaluation of major population studies (examples include the ONSCrime Survey of England & Wales , the ESRC longitudinal study of households Understanding Society , and our own random sample general population panel Public Voice );
• The design of one-off studies of public sector service delivery and evaluations of policy in their real life context.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply your statistical skills and broader methodological knowledge to a variety of research projects across the business
• Client work: complex sampling, weighting, and multivariate analysis/interpretation of substantive data
• Development work: investigation of new statistical techniques, software packages and routines, and reviewing methodological literature to support new components of the Verian offer
• Business generation work: contributing to the methodological shape of proposed research projects, drafting elements of the bid documents, and directing literature searches to ensure evidential support for what is proposed
• Provide ad hoc support to other members of the Methods team, and to the division as a whole. Given Verian’s global reach, the successful applicant will also be expected to participate in cross-national methodological debate and projects (including conference presentations and publications)

Your Profile

• Solid formal qualifications (e.g. a Bachelors degree with a significant statistics element or a Masters/doctorate in a relevant topic)
• Substantial track record of working with survey, administrative and other large scale datasets to answer research questions or to prepare sample frames
• Detailed knowledge and experience of sample design and bias analysis
• Robust applied knowledge of generalised linear modelling techniques.
• Experience of providing both verbal and written advice to research commissioners
• Able to deliver on time and to specification.

How to join us

Does this sound like you? Don’t hesitate and apply online!

Our Talent Acquisition Team will review your application within the following 4 weeks . If your profile and experience fit our requirements, we will invite you for a first exploratory interview.

What we offer

Joining Verian means becoming part of a dynamic and collaborative community that thrives on intellectual curiosity and a shared commitment to making a difference. As a member of our team, you will work on cutting-edge projects that influence policies, drive social change, and shape the future of our society.

You will collaborate with passionate colleagues in an open and engaging environment , where people feel included, accepted, and are allowed to thrive in a space where their wellbeing is taken into consideration. We encourage applications from all sections of society and do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status or any other legally protected characteristics.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Verian offers a stimulating and inclusive environment that fosters growth and professional development!

Visit veriangroup.com to find out more about who we are.