Research Analyst

THE ROLE

We have an exciting opportunity for a new Research Analyst to join Stonehaven and Public First’s growing insights team. In this mixed quantitative and qualitative role, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your interest in primary research to a policy and public affairs environment, working on opinion research for a wide variety of clients across the public, private and charitable sectors.

We are particularly interested in candidates who have an interest in politics and policy, and who have some experience working with research methods. This is a great role for someone early in their career who wants to learn quickly and apply their skills to real-world political, economic and societal challenges.

This role sits within a combined Opinion Research and Insights function serving both Stonehaven and Public First. Both organisations are part of SHGH, a group of cross-border advisory firms, guiding clients through an unprecedented period of change in policy, politics, regulation, and sustainable growth.

The successful candidate will be involved in the organisation, design, management, and analysis of a range of polling and focus group projects. We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have some experience or understanding (whether from university, an internship or work experience) of social research methods and/or opinion polling. This is a junior role, so we do not expect candidates to have a lot of experience, but an understanding of social research/market research methods is a plus.

We pride ourselves on welcoming people from a range of backgrounds and with a mix of political opinions. Our leadership team has backgrounds across the major political parties, and the bipartisan nature of our work means we actively encourage debate and discussion on the topics we are researching from a range of different points of view. You would be working in a lively office, getting involved in all stages of our projects, and would be strongly encouraged to learn about new research skills or policy areas you’re interested in alongside your project work.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are always open to applications from people who feel they are a good fit for the role even if they don’t perfectly tick all of the boxes below - particularly if you are from an underrepresented background. We encourage you to get in touch if you believe you would be a good fit, or if you have any questions about the role responsibilities. Our hiring team will be happy to advise.

Essential:

• An undergraduate degree, with some exposure to research methods and statistics
• Good proficiency in Excel, and experience working with data
• Ideally some experience working with data in a software such as Q, STATA, Python or R
• An understanding of basic statistical concepts, such as statistical significance
• A demonstrated interest in social research, public opinion and politics

What would be helpful, but not essential for you to apply

• Having completed a social research methods or statistical analysis module as part of your degree
• Some experience designing survey questionnaires
• A good understanding of the political landscape and current affairs

ABOUT STONEHAVEN AND PUBLIC FIRST

Stonehaven is a UK-based, globally operating consultancy that is home to some of the best data and insight, policy, advocacy, sustainability, public affairs and communications specialists in the business. We bring together the capabilities, expertise, and insight to make impactful policy ideas a reality for clients. Stonehaven has long-standing retained relationships with large scale enterprise clients and NGOs, working on critical transition issues requiring deep and significant trade-offs.

Led by former Government policy and communications advisers and journalists, Public First specialises in policy, communications and opinion research for clients in Government, the media, the public sector, charities, think tanks and global commercial brands. Opinion research is at the heart of everything we do. Culturally, we are similar to a think tank and we strive for a rigorous, academic approach to all of our work, and we are obsessed with trying to innovate in those fields we work in.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Starting salary for the role is £30,000 plus a competitive benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCESS

This process will involve a short test prior to the interview which should take no longer than two hours. We will be interviewing on an ongoing basis, and encourage interested individuals to apply as soon as possible.

Please follow the instructions after clicking "Apply for this job", and submit the application no later than midnight on 1st September 2025.

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a virtual interview. The final candidates will then be invited to an in-person interview at our office in Westminster.

Stonehaven and Public First are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal opportunity and equal pay regardless of background, including race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in this recruitment process, please get in touch.

QUESTIONS?

Any questions can be sent through to [email protected]