Research Assistant (“Pre-Doc”)

LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university

Salary from £36,513 to £41,565 per annum inclusive with potential to progress to £44,468 pa inclusive of London allowance

Fixed term appointment for 1 year (with option to renew for 2 years)

The Centre for Economic Performance seeks to appoint a full-time research assistant (“pre-doc”) on a number of projects relating to international trade.

The position will involve quantitatively analysing data on trade flows and other economic outcomes. Projects may cover topics such as: the impact of Brexit on the UK economy; the effect of tariffs and trade wars on global trade patterns; structural transformation and trade in services; the organisation of global supply chains; the dynamics of innovation and comparative advantage; the environmental effects of international trade, and; the relationship between trade policy and industrial policy.

The work includes extensive cleaning, merging and preparation of large micro data sources for modelling and analysis. The Research Assistant will primarily focus on data and initial analysis under guidance from research supervisors and will help model clearly defined areas of analysis.

The successful candidate holds an undergraduate degree in economics or another quantitative discipline by post start date. Other essential criteria include: Advanced experience of using programming languages such as STATA, R and Python for analysing large scale data sets; Ability to review literature and search data sources; perform data work requiring great accuracy and attention to detail; Ability to interpret and analyse patterns or trends in data and think through economic problems analytically, identifying appropriate methods of economic investigation; Ability to work independently, without close supervision; Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable criteria include a quantitative Master’s degree; knowledge of and interest in international trade and applied economics more generally; and experience of execution and write up of independent research projects such as an undergraduate or masters’ thesis.

The start date will be agreed with the successful candidate depending on their constraints but should be in late summer/early autumn 2025.

We offer an occupational pension scheme, generous annual leave and excellent training and development opportunities.

For further information about the post, please see the how to apply document, job description and the person specification. Applications must take the form of a full Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume, and a Covering Letter.

If you have any technical queries with applying on the online system, please use the “contact us” links at the bottom of the LSE Jobs page.

Should you have any queries about the role, please email C.H.Tocock@lse.ac.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is 14 August 2025 (23.59 UK time).

Regrettably, we are unable to accept any late applications.

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