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TONIC is looking for a self-motivated, conscientious, organised, independent, and hard-working Researcher and Analyst to join the team. This is an exciting and challenging role offering varied opportunities.

About TONIC

TONIC is an independent social research organisation, established in 2007. We specialise in evaluation, needs assessments, insights research and public consultations, with a strong focus on criminal justice, public health, education and social care. Our small but perfectly formed team is made up of highly experienced and skilled researchers, academics, practitioners, and analysts, supported by a number of expert associates. The team works with central government (MoJ, Home Office, DfE, DBT), local councils, the NHS, OPCCs, police and charities – helping them to understand what is really going on in people’s lives and using that knowledge to shape better services. TONIC aims to improve practice by providing a platform to service users, as well as stakeholders, partners, providers, and commissioners to inform real-world change. TONIC develops a strong evidence-base for the decisions that impact many of the most vulnerable groups in society.

Job Description

As a Researcher and Analyst at TONIC you will be part of a small but passionate and dedicated research team, working on a range of projects, for a variety of clients predominantly in the public sector. You will collect and analyse different types of data, both qualitative and quantitative, to produce meaningful outputs such as reports, presentations and other visualisations. Your primary focus will be conducting fieldwork – in person and remotely – with a variety of people including victims, survivors, perpetrators and professional stakeholders. You will then assist in the analysis of data, drawing out themes to inform conclusions and evidence-based recommendations. You will play a key role in supporting our clients to make decisions that have a real impact on the lives of people in local communities. You will report to one of TONIC’s Research Managers.

Responsibilities 

Being a Researcher and Analyst for TONIC will predominantly involve: 

• Conducting fieldwork, namely interviews and focus groups with a range of different people, this could be victims, survivors, or perpetrators of different types of crime (including but not limited to in the context of sexual violence and domestic abuse), individuals with substance use problems, those with diagnosed learning disabilities or mental health disorders, service users, frontline practitioners, service providers, key stakeholders, partner agencies, and commissioners. There will be an expectation that you are able to conduct interviews with empathy, compassion, and with a non-judgemental stance. Fieldwork may take place in person in various community locations, in secure settings like prisons, or remotely.

• You will be responsible for organising your own diary and scheduling appointments accordingly, meaning you must be able to manage multiple and varied tasks with enthusiasm, whilst prioritising your workload with attention to detail. You must be reliable and dependable.  

• You must be skilled with computers - confidence with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams will be essential, while experience of other specialist research and analysis tools (e.g. Smart Survey, Canva, Quirkos, DisplayR or equivalents) is desirable.

• There will be elements of analysing both qualitative and quantitative data collected during fieldwork phases to produce comprehensive written reports of a publishable standard that summarise key findings. As such, this role would be ideal for someone with previous research experience, who has a degree or Masters (or is working towards this) in a relevant discipline. 

• You must possess a willingness to work independently while valuing the importance of teamwork and have an ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. If you are a motivated and positive minded individual, with a ‘can do’ attitude, who uses initiative to see solutions rather than obstacles, then you will fit in well with the existing team. 

Person Specification

Qualifications:

• Degree with a social research methods element or equivalent experience.

• Commitment to further professional development.

Experience:

• Conducting interviews and/or focus groups.

• Analysing qualitative and quantitative data to discover and identify patterns to address research questions.

• Delivering outcomes within tight deadlines.

• Using the Microsoft suite including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Teams is essential. Experience of specialist research and analysis tools would be advantageous.

Skills and Abilities:

• Proficient in various data analysis and visualisation tools, either qualitative or quantitative and a willingness to develop in these areas.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to articulate complex concepts and ideas impartially to a wide range of audiences.

• Strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work in partnership with other researchers, analysts and colleagues to provide relevant and high quality contributions to specific projects and the wider organisations.

Knowledge:

• Basic knowledge of research methods and analytical techniques.

• Awareness of standards, open science principles, and ethical consideration in research and evaluation, including Data Protection, GDPR and transparency.

Job Type

Full-time (36 hours per week) fixed term 12-month contract, with scope for progression and the potential to become a permanent employee at the end of this, based on performance.

Start Date

May 2026

Working Pattern

TONIC requires Researchers to predominantly work from home, but having a driving licence and access to a car would be desirable for site visits as there will be an expectation to travel all across the UK for in person fieldwork, meetings, and presentations (expenses will be reimbursed). Hours of work and/or days of work may change dependent on project requirements – this will be agreed with you on a project-by-project basis.

Benefits

• Annual salary review

• Performance-related bonuses

• Large leave entitlement: 35 days annual leave + bank holidays

• Leave selling scheme

• Pension scheme

• Flexible working hours

• Predominantly remote working

• Funded training and professional development opportunities

• Paid volunteering days

• Access to external supervision

• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice scheme

• Great company culture with regular away days (typically in London)

Application Process 

Please email your CV and a covering letter about why you are interested in the job and how you meet the person specification to  recruitment@tonic.org.uk – we will be in touch if you have been shortlisted for an interview. Enhanced DBS checks and certification will be required and conducted.

Due to the volume of applications, we may not be able to respond to all candidates individually.

This post will close once a candidate has been successfully recruited.