Research Officer for Dave Doogan MP

Dave Doogan MP is looking for a Research Officer to join his constituency office. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a small and dedicated team supporting Dave’s work on behalf of the constituents of Angus and Perthshire Glens.

 Working For: Dave Doogan MP (Angus and Perthshire Glens)

Job Title: Research Officer

Salary: £25,922 – £39, 474

Hours: Full time (40 per week)

Location: Working primarily from Forfar office with regular travel to Westminster

Length of contract: Permanent

Overview:

This role offers experience supporting an MP with their constituency and parliamentary work. The right candidate will be proactive and enthusiastic in understanding and developing policy and ensuring the MP is properly informed on key issues, and be able to communicate information clearly, concisely and logically.

The Angus and Perthshire Glens office is a fast-paced, supportive environment to work in.

Main responsibilities 

• Undertake research on relevant subjects as directed and independently including project work on the MP’s specialisms
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret data, presenting this in a logical and concise way
• Develop working knowledge of relevant legislation and upcoming business including how this will impact on the constituency/specialisms
• To advise and ensure the MP is fully briefed timeously on potential questions and motions to be put to the House, including at very short notice
• Assist in writing external communications including speeches, motions and communications for the MP
• Draft amendments for legislation and prepare briefing material
• Compile briefing packs for MP, take notes of meetings and draft appropriate submissions
• Proactively engage with stakeholders in the constituency and on key policy areas
• Attend meetings with stakeholders on behalf of the MP
• Monitor local, regional and national media coverage and brief the MP on relevant issues
• Monitor social media activity and report any relevant trends to the Office Manager/MP
• Work with colleagues in communications/casework to identify potential impacts from the research work and disseminate them effectively

The successful candidate will:

• Be educated to degree level minimum
• Be able to research, understand and convey a wide variety of subjects
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently to demanding deadlines
• Add value to the dynamic of the existing small constituency team
• Have very good interpersonal skills
• Have outstanding communication skills both verbal and written
• Have excellent IT skills including for graphical presenting
• Be able to quickly develop in depth authoritative knowledge of issues
• Be generally sympathetic to the aims and values of the SNP

Notes

This post may require some travel within the constituency and regular travel to Westminster for attendance at meetings, surgeries, trainings and other events.

There may be a requirement for the role holder to work outside of normal working hours occasionally.

Upon appointment you will be required to comply with the Baseline Personnel Security Standard, undertaken by the Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO). See Members’ Staff Verification Office (MSVO) page for further info.

How to Apply

Please send a one-page cover letter and your CV to Dave.Doogan.mp@parliament.uk with the subject “Research Officer Application”.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing Mon 1^st Sep. The interview will include a written task.

If you have any questions about the job or the application process, please do get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to answer any queries. You can email Lauren.Charlton@parliament.uk or call 01307 804 185 with any questions.

We are committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace and would encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Closing Date: 9am on Monday 4^th August 2025

Interview Dates: Week commencing Mon 1^st September 2025