Senior Researcher

Senior Researcher (Transport) – House of Commons

UK-Based Applicants Only

Job Overview

Salary: £60,180 – £70,204 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 36 hours per week
Working Pattern: Full-time, Hybrid
Office Attendance: Approximately 40%
Employer: House of Commons
Job Category: Research / Policy
Location: Hybrid – on-site and remote
Date Posted: 4 August 2026
Closing Date: 23 August 2026
Job Reference: REQ000101

About the Role

The House of Commons Library is recruiting a Senior Researcher (Transport) to join its Business and Transport Section within the Research and Information team.

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of the UK Parliament, providing trusted and impartial research and analysis that supports Members of Parliament in scrutinising legislation, participating in debates and responding to constituent issues.

The successful candidate will bring strong knowledge of UK transport policy and/or law and will research and communicate complex policy matters clearly and accurately.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will contribute to the House of Commons Library’s research service by:

• Producing authoritative briefing papers.
• Responding to confidential enquiries from MPs and their staff.
• Researching UK transport policy and legislation.
• Analysing complex technical and policy information.
• Explaining complex issues to non-specialist audiences.
• Monitoring developments in transport policy and current affairs.
• Working with specialist colleagues across Parliament.
• Supporting Parliamentary Committees and related research teams.

Your work may cover:

• Rail policy
• Road policy
• Aviation policy
• Local transport
• Transport decarbonisation

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Conduct high-quality research into UK transport policy and/or law.
• Produce accurate, impartial research and briefing material.
• Respond to confidential enquiries from MPs and their staff.
• Analyse and interpret complex information.
• Present research clearly to non-specialist audiences.
• Use reliable and relevant research sources.
• Evaluate information using sound professional judgement.
• Maintain strict political impartiality.
• Manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Work effectively under pressure.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues.
• Share knowledge, skills and learning.
• Informally coach colleagues where appropriate.
• Support equality, diversity and inclusion.

What the House of Commons Is Looking For

Applicants should have excellent knowledge and understanding of key areas of UK transport policy and/or law.

Relevant expertise may include:

• Rail policy
• Road policy
• Aviation policy
• Local transport
• Transport decarbonisation

You should also have a good understanding of current affairs and UK public policy.

Research and Analytical Skills

You should be able to:

• Quickly understand complex and technical material.
• Analyse and interpret information accurately.
• Identify reliable and relevant sources.
• Evaluate research material effectively.
• Present complex information clearly.
• Exercise sound professional judgement.

Communication Skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.

You should be able to explain complicated policy issues clearly and concisely while maintaining accuracy, authority and political impartiality.

Organisation and Workload Management

You should be able to:

• Plan and prioritise your workload.
• Manage competing demands.
• Adapt to changing priorities.
• Meet deadlines.
• Maintain high-quality standards under pressure.

Teamwork

You will work with colleagues and stakeholders across Parliament.

The successful candidate should be able to build effective professional relationships, contribute positively to a team and share knowledge and expertise.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £60,180 – £70,204 per annum

Benefits include:

• Generous annual leave starting at 30 days.
• Annual leave increasing to 35 days after one full working year.
• Civil Service pension scheme.
• Average employer pension contribution of 27%.
• Flexible working options.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave.
• Caring leave.
• Alternative working patterns.

Hybrid Working

This is a hybrid role, with an expectation that approximately 40% of working time will be spent in the office.

The remaining working time may be undertaken remotely in accordance with the organisation’s hybrid-working arrangements.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit:

• An anonymised CV.
• Evidence against criteria 1–5 in the Job Description.

Applicants should carefully review the Job Description and Application Support Pack before submitting their application.

Important: Anonymise Your Application

Applicants must ensure that their application is anonymised.

Remove identifiable information from your:

• CV
• Supporting statement
• Other application materials

Recruitment and Selection Process

Once recruitment closes, candidates will be asked to complete an online verbal reasoning test.

Candidates who successfully progress will then be invited to complete:

1. A written test.
2. An interview.

If shortlisted for interview, candidates will receive the interview questions in advance.

Salary Starting Point

The employer states that most job offers will be made at the minimum point of the advertised salary range, except in exceptional circumstances.

Information Sessions

Virtual information sessions will be held via Microsoft Teams.

Tuesday 11 August 2026
12:00 – 13:00

Thursday 20 August 2026
13:00 – 14:00

Prospective applicants can register through the Eventbrite link provided on the original vacancy page.

Internal staff members should contact Georgia Pearse, Recruitment Advisor, to receive the Teams invitation.

Application Deadline

23 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

Job Summary

Who Should Apply?

This vacancy may suit professionals with experience or strong knowledge in:

• UK transport policy
• Transport legislation
• Rail policy
• Road policy
• Aviation policy
• Local transport
• Transport decarbonisation
• Public policy research
• Parliamentary research
• Policy analysis
• Government research
• Research and information services

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply online through the official House of Commons recruitment portal.

Before applying:

• Prepare an anonymised CV.
• Address criteria 1–5 from the Job Description.
• Review the Application Support Pack.
• Ensure your evidence directly demonstrates the required skills and experience.
• Submit your application before 23 August 2026.

Application: Apply online via the official vacancy page.