Research Associate

Job description:

Since the 2008 global financial crisis, the UK economy has been caught in a paradox: productivity growth has been near zero while real house prices have risen by 20%. This project will explore the largely unexamined link between this economic stagnation and the unprecedented changes in household savings and their allocation. We will investigate how the channelling of capital into housing, rather than more productive investments, has contributed to this disconnect.

Your role will be to contribute to the project's microeconomic aspect. You will empirically model the connection between household finances and house prices, analysing how individuals' decisions to save and allocate their wealth impact the housing market. The insights gained from this work will be crucial for informing national policy aimed at a more balanced and productive economy.

We are looking for a self-motivated, innovative, and creative candidate with a PhD in economics (or equivalent experience). The ideal candidate will have expertise in data analysis, microeconomic modeling, and relevant econometric techniques. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Conduct a thorough review of relevant academic literature to support the project's theoretical framework and empirical approach.
• Collect, clean, and manage large-scale micro and macroeconomic datasets, ensuring their accuracy and integrity for use in the project's models.
• Assist in the development and implementation of advanced econometric models.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all data sources, code, and methodology to ensure the project's reproducibility and transparency.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• Prepare papers for journals and presentations at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Actively contribute to a culture in the research group and wider School where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and are able to flourish professionally or academically.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Advert information