Assistant Economist

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

Location: SW1P 3HE. Staff will have the option of working two days a week from home as standard, with other requests considered on a case-by-case basis.

Benefits: 30 days holiday, 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 Assistant Economist to join the Public Policy team. This role will be responsible for supporting, and contributing to, research projects on UK households, the three devolved nations and the English regions with a focus on inequality and Levelling Up. This role will also involve acquiring skills in economic modelling, specifically using econometrics, microsimulation and conducting quantitative research.

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

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Working independently and/or as part of a team on quantitative research projects.

2. Knowledge of a range of quantitative and econometric research methods.

3. A keen interest in current affairs and economic policy areas, particularly regarding income and regional inequality.

4. A background manipulating and analysing data within Excel and at least one other data analysis package.

5. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas and information to different audiences.

DESIREABLE BACKGROUND

6. An undergraduate degree in Economics, or relevant quantitative subject, or similar experience.

7. Experience managing multiple competing priorities to meet strict deadlines.

8. A person comfortable with constructively challenging the accepted ways of thinking/doing things, and thinking critically to develop new ideas, approaches, and ways of working.

9. An ability to think creatively with research and its presentation.

To apply

To apply for this role, please send full CV and please structure your cover letter to tell us how you qualify for each of the points under essential requirements and whichever element of the desirable background is applicable to you. 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 Louise Hodgson via email: hr@niesr.ac.uk. In your application, please include the following:

• Where you saw the advert

• Approximate start date

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 4th April at midday.

Interviews will be held mid-April