Research Associate (Microsimulation Modelling)

The Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the largest in the UK; with 85 members of staff and over 1,500 students across all levels. We deliver undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Criminology, Sociology and Social Policy.

The Department is both teaching- and research-intensive, with a strong focus on applied, empirical social science. Our success in achieving above sector student satisfaction demonstrates our commitment to excellent, student-centred learning.

The department is home to several research centres, including the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit, the Manchester Centre for Youth Studies, and the Drugs Policy and Social Change unit. We are also nationally recognised for our innovative approach to quantitative methods and data literacy via our Q-Step Centre. In the REF21 we were rated top 15 for research power in both UoA20 and UoA21; our research is impactful, interdisciplinary and socially engaged. This role will be based in the Policy, Evaluation and Research Unit.

The Role
The department is looking to appoint a Research Associate (Grade 7) to deliver the development of the IPPR Tax-Benefit Model, a model which is used by most of the major think-tanks in the UK, including the Resolution Foundation, Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Centre for Social Justice.

The Policy Evaluation and Research Unit is a highly successful multi-disciplinary team of evaluators, economists, sociologists and criminologists. Established for over 15 years it has created a strong national and international reputation for evaluation and applied research. The postholder will use microsimulation modelling to develop extremely high-profile analysis and commentary of government tax and benefit policies.

About you
You will have advanced programming skills (preferably through the use of Python), and knowledge of the tax and benefit system to excel in this role. You will also have an excellent understanding of social policy and knowledge of the policy environment.

You will be able to demonstrate a track record of project management and effective communication with a range of stakeholders and collaborators.

Essential Skills:

• Advanced programming skills (preferably through the use of Python).
• Knowledge of the tax and benefit system.
• Understanding of social policy.
• Knowledge of the policy environment.
• Ability to lead discrete areas of project work, co-ordinating effort and resources.
• Ability to build relationships and establish networks with internal and external contacts.
• A doctoral level qualification, or a masters level qualification with additional equivalent experience.

Further information
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Ashwin Kumar (a.kumar@mmu.ac.uk).

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

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