Government Social Research
Although departments do vary in how researchers are graded, there are five main social research 'grades' in government:
Most new recruits from outside the civil service join GSR at Research Officer or Senior Research Officer grade, but staff may be recruited from outside the civil service at all grades according to the needs of departments.
There is currently no centralised recruitment for the Government Social Research service. Instead, departments advertise specific individual vacancies as they arise. They are usually advertised on this website (see current vacancies ), the civil service recruitment gateway website and in the Guardian newspaper ('Society' section) published on Wednesdays.
Eligibility to apply for posts varies in the first instance between whether or not the department chooses to advertise posts
Where posts are advertised by open competition, most vacancies are open to European Economic Area Nationals and Commonwealth citizens, as well as UK citizens. You also need a degree in a relevant subject (see What skills and qualifications would I need?).