The following advertisement was placed in The Guardian last Wednesday. This
is part of a continuous recruitment scheme, so no definite application date
is given. Quoted salaries are subject to a pay offer that should soon be
agreed.

Opportunities in Social Research, Statistics and Methodology
Positions at ONS Locations : London, Titchfield (Hampshire) and Newport
(Wales).

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the independent government
agency that collects, compiles,
analyses and publishes statistics on all facets of national life. Such
information is essential for decision
making in government and the private sector, and is widely used by students,
researchers and the
general public.

We currently have a number of vacancies in our London, Titchfield and
Newport offices at all levels for new graduates to experienced senior
managers.

Social Researchers/Methodologists Posts:
Social Survey Division

Social Survey Division is the leading agency in Britain for carrying out
social surveys for government and
the public sector. It is responsible for most continuous government surveys
in Britain, e.g. the Labour
Force Survey, the Expenditure and Food Survey, the General Household Survey,
the Omnibus Survey and the Family Resources Survey. It also conducts ad hoc
and repeat surveys on a wide range of social policy topics such as health
and statistical analysis techniques and questionnaire design.

Methodology and Statistical Development Directorate

The ONS is continually working to improve the quality and integrity of
statistics and to meet the
developing needs of our customers. Central to this are statisticians, social
scientists and geographers
who provide methodological guidance and support to the rest of the
organisation. These specialist
posts provide the opportunity to play an important part in reviewing current
methods, researching
alternatives and devising innovative and practical solutions for social and
economic statistics.

Research Officers/Senior Research Officers:
Social Directorate

Social directorate’s work divides into three main types:
· producing and developing data sources such as census and social surveys of
the population
· using all these data to analyse and report on the changing social and
socio-economic circumstances of the population
· ensuring that social statistics are robust, coherent, co-ordinated and
harmonised.
The work is constantly changing in response to government and other user
needs
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You will need :

For social researchers/methodologists’ requirements vary for the different
posts but you will need:
• a good degree (min 2.1) in statistics, mathematics or a social science
with substantial statistical content
• experience in research, analysing statistics and presenting statistical
results
• ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Additionally some posts require one or more of:
• excellent statistical skills, e.g. statistical editing, analysis methods,
confidentiality protection, survey
  sampling, estimation
• Computing/programming skills, geographic/demographic analysis and/or GIS
techniques
• Experience of designing and analysing large-scale social surveys
• A minimum of two years’ practical experience
· A relevant MSc or PhD or equivalent post graduate qualification

For senior management posts 4 years practical experience including staff and
project management

For research officers the requirements are:
· a degree (min 2.2) in a social science or statistical subject
· analytical , presentational and writing skills
· ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
· good IT skills, including the ability to use a range of statistics
packages

 For Methodology Group, vacancies are located in our London,Titchfield and
Newport offices.
The Social Directorate and Social Survey Division vacancies are located in
the London office.
Remuneration for social researchers/methodologists between £17,762 to
£48,959.
(Both according to experience, qualification and location).

Further details and application forms can be obtained by writing to Hilary
Porter, Human Resources
Division, ONS, 1 Drummond Gate, London SW1V 2QQ or emailing her at
[log in to unmask]

Quoting Job Reference 1/2002.

For more information on types of jobs available in other divisions as well
as those mentioned above,
see our website www.statistics.gov.uk

ONS is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from
suitably qualified individuals,
irrespective of racial origin, sex or disability. All applications will be
treated on merit.

ONS is an equal opportunities employer.
visit us at our website
www.statistics.gov.uk