About us

Founded in 2012, The Lines Between deliver objective, robust research that informs, engages and influences a wide range of service providers, funders, stakeholders, communities and interest groups.

We provide evaluations, primary research, surveys, consultation analysis, workshops, case studies and reviews, using a range of traditional and innovative approaches. In a time of rapid change and financial constraints, organisations from the public, private and third sectors require research services that offer flexibility and value for money. Our projects range in size and scale, from big-budget longitudinal studies to small commissions with short deadlines.

Curious, motivated and experienced, as a team, we enjoy what we do. The variety in our portfolio keeps us on our toes, as we explore new themes and learn to apply new techniques, technology and approaches.

We take pride in working with integrity and transparency. Our business model is rooted in sustainability, which means offering high-quality, affordable services and investing in training, research tools and client relationships.

Due to sustained growth, we are recruiting two Research Officers to join the team. Initially these will be offered on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract basis.

The Role

Based in our office in Edinburgh, reporting to the Research Manager, the Research Officer will deliver qualitative research for our growing portfolio of existing client accounts.

The role is 37.5 hours per week, salary is between £25 and £29k with 28 days paid annual holiday.

Key responsibilities include:

• Arranging and carrying out interviews, focus groups and participatory research activities with a range of research participants including young people
• Analysis of primary data gathered by the team, and secondary data, such as consultation responses
• Producing written reports and case studies to a high standard
• Contributing to business development through participation in proposals, pitches and our social media presence
• Managing the delivery of small-scale research projects to client briefs

Key candidate requirements:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• A minimum of two years’ work-based research or consultancy experience, ideally in social research
• Excellent reasoning and critical analysis skills, honed through experience of working with a range of qualitative data using a variety of research methods
• Excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to review and edit own work
• Tenacious and logical approach to information gathering and analysis
• An ability to work across multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
• Commercially aware with a knowledge of the third and public sector in Scotland and ability to quickly gain a thorough understanding of the context and constraints that affect our clients
• Ability to contribute effectively, constructively and flexibly within a small team and on own initiative, with a proactive and flexible approach to work
• Skills - or a willingness to learn – approaches to creative presentation. Example include using templates to make videos, engaging research tools, posters and infographics
• Based in Edinburgh or the surrounding areas
• A full driving license and access to a car
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork, where required