Elphinstone Research Group is an Aberdeen-based Scottish educational charity (charity number: SC054318). We help students develop practical research, analysis and writing skills through supervised projects in law, finance, technology, policy and journalism.

Elphinstone Research Group is looking for students and young adults in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire who want practical experience of research and public writing. Volunteers can contribute to projects in legal research, finance, technology and AI, policy, or the King Street Journal, depending on their interests and experience.

Each volunteer receives a defined section of a larger public-source project, a written brief, a named contact and editorial feedback. Active projects normally run for around four weeks and require about 4 to 5 flexible hours per week, followed by a short break. Work that reaches the final publication standard is credited to the contributor.

The opportunity is fully remote and open to people based in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Research, meetings and feedback take place online, so no regular travel is required. The opportunity is remote and voluntary. It does not involve confidential information, client work, investment advice or live transactions. Applicants complete a short interview and, where appropriate, a brief written work trial before joining a team. We normally ask successful applicants to remain involved for at least three months.

Volunteers receive an initial induction, a written project brief, a named contact and ongoing editorial feedback. Project leads answer questions, review drafts and help contributors improve source checking, structure and written analysis throughout each project cycle.

A great opportunity to get involved in research, gain experience and make a real difference. All help is greatly appreciated.