Postdoctoral Research Associate

LOCATION: 2, Dean Trench Street, London, SW1P 3HE.

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 a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Public Policy Team conducting independent research on questions related to governance, institutions and productivity, which is one of the leading research themes of the ESRC-funded TPI and which is overseen by NIESR. To explore the complex connections between short-termism and productivity, with a focus on the institutional and policy environment. To publish high-quality research. To support research projects and research-based policy work as required, including co-authoring research, collating evidence for research, performing analysis to support the project objectives, and providing general facilitation of project activities. This role will also include the organisation and execution of policy-focused events as part of the UK Productivity Commission, which is hosted by NIESR.

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

Experience

1. Experience in using various theories and methodologies in in politics, political economy and/or economics.
2. Experience of drafting research papers and complex reports/policy proposals with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
3. Experience with working collaboratively across teams, institutions, or organisations to achieve specific outcomes.
4. A promising academic record with previous experience of writing academic journals for submission for publication.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

1. PhD in politics, political economy, economics or another relevant social science, or equivalent qualification or experience.
2. High degree of self-motivation and ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy.
3. Effective project and time management skills, including timely recording and reporting and the ability to prioritise multiple conflicting tasks to meet strict deadlines.
4. Ability to work independently.
5. Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to adapt communication style to present complex information and ideas to a variety of audiences, including academics, the media, and the general public.
6. 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 via email: hr@niesr.ac.uk (via the ‘Apply’ button above). In your application, please include the following:

• Where you saw the advert
• Approximate start date
• Details of two referees. NIESR will seek references prior to interview, so should you not wish us to contact any of your referees in advance, please make this clear.

If you would like any further information about the post, please contact Adrian Pabst: a.pabst@niesr.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications is 17 December 2024

Interviews will be held the week of 6^th January 2025