Economist

Working hours:  35 hours per week, open to flexible working.

Location: 2 Dean Trench Street, Westminster, SW1P 3HE. Staff are able to work up to two days per week from home.

Benefits: 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, USS pension

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research is Britain’s oldest, and one of its most prestigious, independent research institutes.  We specialise in applied social and economic research, combining high academic standards with relevance to policy making.  Our reputation for quality and independence, outstanding networks and unrivalled location at the heart of Westminster makes us the ideal base to build a national profile for academic or policy research that makes real impact. 

We are seeking an Economist to join the Public Policy team. 

The successful candidate will have a strong background in applied microeconomics, using both quantitative and qualitative methods, and will work in one of the following areas:

• Education and skills
• Labour economics
• Evaluation of policy

This is an exciting role where you are encouraged to explore your interests and passions and develop your research interests, notably your quantitative skills. You will design and carry out research and lead on smaller research projects or (elements of) larger projects in your developing areas of expertise.  Under the guidance of more senior colleagues, you will be supported to contribute to the drafting of research bids and proposals.  You will also have opportunities to lead on proposals.

The essential requirements we are looking for in the successful candidate are:

Experience

1. Working on research projects from inception to completion and achieving high-quality results.
2. Managing multiple competing priorities to meet strict deadlines.
3. Using a range of research techniques and methodologies, notably quantitative approaches and data analysis
4. Analysing and interpreting data to generate evidence-based conclusions.
5. Contributing to the drafting of research bids and proposals.
6. Working independently and as part of a team to achieve specific outcomes.
7. Constructively challenging the accepted ways of thinking/doing things, and thinking critically to develop new idea, approaches, and ways of working.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

1. Masters or PhD in economics or another relevant quantitative social science, or equivalent.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in an audience appropriate way.
3. High-level of attention to detail, with the ability to ensure the accuracy of complex reports and data sets.
4. Knowledge of standard software packages and standard data analysis packages.
5. Strong interest in real world economic and policy developments.

To apply

To apply for this role, please send full CV and a supporting statement of no more than 1,500 words setting how you meet the essential requirements outlined above. Please number each point and address these one at a time to ensure that we are able to fully consider how your experience, skills and abilities meet the needs of the post.  Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role.

Applications should be sent to Kirsty Pearce-Perkins by email: hr@niesr.ac.uk (via the ‘Apply’ button above).

Closing date for applications is Sunday 14^th July 2024. We may interview suitable candidates as they apply so early application is encouraged.  We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

As an equal opportunities employer, NIESR is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join NIESR.