Senior Research Advisor - IR35

Senior Research Advisor

Contract Length: Until 31 March 2026 + Extension

Location: Newport - adhoc

Hourly rate: £30 per hour Inside IR35

Working hours: 37 hours per week

A leading public sector programme is seeking a Senior Research Advisor to support the development of new statistical approaches that measure the physical state and long‑term sustainability of UK natural resources. The Senior Research Advisor position is a significant opportunity to contribute to nationally important environmental and economic research, helping shape how these resources are assessed and understood over the coming years.

The role of Senior Research Advisor is suited to a researcher with strong analytical capability, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to deliver structured, well‑evidenced reports within defined timelines. A background in environmental sciences, natural resource management or a quantitative discipline is advantageous.

• The core project focus will be in relation to timber and fish stock
• Lead research into data availability, methodologies and evidence relating to physical stocks, regeneration rates and consumption levels of key natural resources in the UK
• Conduct literature reviews, analyse previous studies and identify gaps, uncertainties and opportunities for improved measurement
• Engage with government departments, agencies and external organisations to understand existing datasets, limitations and potential avenues for further data development
• Produce clear, structured reports outlining viable strategies, methodologies and data pathways for future measurement work
• Work collaboratively with internal colleagues to ensure research outputs align with wider programme objectives and national accounting frameworks
• Support the development of long‑term approaches for resource stock estimation, ensuring methods are robust, transparent and scalable
• Contribute to continuous improvement of research processes, identifying ways to accelerate delivery and strengthen evidence quality

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build relationships across government departments, agencies and external bodies
• Experience in desk research, literature reviews and scoping studies, ideally within environmental, natural sciences or quantitative research domains
• Ability to evaluate data sources, understand methodological limitations and propose evidence‑based approaches
• Strong analytical capability with the confidence to work independently and deliver structured documentation on tight timelines
• Background or interest in natural capital, environmental economics, forestry, fisheries, or related fields is highly desirable
• Knowledge of international guidance or frameworks for environmental accounting is beneficial
• Python skills are an advantage, enabling exploration of data manipulation approaches if time allows
• SC clearance is advantageous

If you are an experienced researcher with strong analytical skills and an interest in natural resource measurement, and you are looking for an opportunity to contribute to vital national research, please apply in the immediate instance.