Senior researcher role at Magpie: using research to create real social change

If you’re an experienced researcher who believes evidence should lead to action, this role could be for you.

We’re growing our Behavioural Insights Team and are looking for a senior researcher to help us design and deliver research that tackles complex social challenges. This is a role for someone who combines methodological rigour with empathy, and who enjoys translating insight into meaningful, real-world impact.

At Magpie, research does not sit on a shelf. It shapes campaigns, informs strategy, and helps communities, public services and charities make better decisions.

About the senior researcher role

This is a mixed-methods research role, combining qualitative depth with confident use of quantitative approaches. You’ll lead on elements of research design and delivery, while contributing to projects as part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with strategists, creatives and delivery teams.

Your work will help answer questions such as:

• Why do people behave the way they do in specific contexts?
• What barriers and motivations matter most?
• How can insight be turned into practical recommendations that drive change?

You’ll design and deliver research that is robust, ethical and inclusive, engaging directly with communities, stakeholders and people with lived experience.

The kind of work you’ll be doing

As a senior researcher at Magpie, you’ll be involved in:

• Designing and delivering qualitative and quantitative research, including surveys, interviews, focus groups and experiments
• Analysing complex data to uncover behavioural insights that matter
• Turning findings into clear, evidence-led recommendations for clients
• Contributing to insight-led reports, presentations and workshops
• Collaborating across disciplines to ensure research genuinely shapes strategy and creative delivery

This role suits someone who enjoys being both in the detail of data and in the room with clients, helping research travel from insight to action.

Who this role is for

We’re looking for someone with a strong track record in applied research, whether that experience comes from an agency, public sector or third-sector background.

You’re likely to be a good fit if you:

• Have experience delivering research that drives decisions and change
• Are confident working with both qualitative and quantitative methods
• Can communicate complex findings in a clear, engaging way
• Enjoy fast-paced, collaborative environments
• Motivated by purpose-led work in areas like health, equity, climate and community
• Just as important as technical skill is how you show up. Curiosity, empathy and collaboration matter here.

Why work at Magpie

We’re a values-led agency that believes communications can shift behaviours in ways that genuinely improve lives. Our work spans public health, wellbeing, sustainability and social equity, always rooted in behavioural insight and community collaboration.

As a senior researcher, you’ll work in a supportive, multidisciplinary team that builds learning, reflection and co-creation into everyday practice. We offer flexible working, generous leave, profit share and the chance to shape work that has a visible, measurable impact.

Please note: this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK.

How to apply

Full details of the role can be found here.