Associate Researcher

This project investigates how local and regional financial development influences small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending and economic growth across the UK. Using data at multiple geographical levels (ITL1– ITL3), the research examines how factors such as financial services output, bank branch networks, and FinTech activity contribute to SME financing and local economic performance. The project combines panel data econometrics with spatial analysis to assess both direct and spillover effects of financial development. It also evaluates the impact of major financial regulatory milestones, such as Open Banking and ring-fencing reforms, on regional economic outcomes.

 

The project will assemble and analyse a rich dataset covering financial, economic, and firm-level indicators from multiple sources, including the Office for National Statistics, UK Finance, and FinTech databases. The findings will inform policy on how the benefits of the UK’s financial sector can more effectively support regional growth and SME activity.

 

Co-investigators: Prof. Dariusz Wójcik and Dr. Stefanos Ioannou.

 

This is a fixed-term opportunity. The role is for 4 months at 0.4fte (December 2025- March 2026).

 

Anyone wishing to apply for this opportunity should send their cv and expression of interest via email to Dr. Stefanos Ioannou, sioannou@brookes.ac.uk , outlining how they meet the essential and desirable criteria of the role (as described in the job description) as well as the areas of experience mentioned above.

 

Expressions of Interest should be between 500 -750 words and should be submitted, along with a cv, by no later than 28 November 11:00pm GMT.

 

Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on Wednesday 3 December 2025.

 

For informal enquires about the role please contact Dr. Stefanos Ioannou (sioannou@brookes.ac.uk).

 

This role will not attract sufficient points to obtain a sponsored skilled worker visa under the points based immigration system, however applications are welcome from candidates who don’t currently have the right to work in the UK, but who would be eligible to obtain a visa via another route.

 

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

 

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

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