Research / Analysis / Youth Engagement Researcher

Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) is seeking a suitably experienced organisation or individual to undertake a short-life research commission focused on understanding harms, wellbeing and protective factors affecting young people in Aberdeenshire. The Researcher will design and deliver the AYLSUS - Aberdeenshire Young Person Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey, a mixed-methods research project co-designed with young people. The survey will gather robust quantitative and qualitative data relating to lifestyle and wellbeing, alcohol and drug use (by type and amount), harms associated with substance use and wider lifestyle factors, protective factors and resilience and barriers to accessing services and support. The project will place a strong emphasis on youth voice, ethical engagement, and reaching groups who are often under-represented in traditional school-based surveys. The Researcher will deliver: Survey results datasets Qualitative findings from focus groups or engagement sessions A written analysis and findings report Youth voice case studies A presentation of findings and recommendations to Aberdeenshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership, Aberdeenshire GIRFEC Group (June 2026) The Researcher must have the ability to commence this project on 15 February 2026. This is not a call for competition.. If you wish to express an interest please submit a brief outlining how you would facilitate the co-production of the survey, whilst using trauma informed and participatory research methods that lead to clear translation of the data and actionable recommendations. Submissions must be emailed to claire.johnstone@aberdeenshire.gov.uk by 19 January 2026