Research Assistant

Location: 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2ER 

About the role

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Accelerate Hub to contribute to the cost-effectiveness analyses of development accelerator programmes in Africa. will work closely with the Economic Evaluation Research Team (EERT) to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of these programmes.

You will play a critical role in a multi-disciplinary research initiative designed to support the Government of Ethiopia in identifying and scaling cost-effective, evidence-based interventions to prevent child marriage and strengthen adolescent girls’ education, health, and economic opportunities. Working with researchers across the Accelerate Hub and partners in Ethiopia, you will generate and synthesise rigorous evidence to inform a novel economic model that integrates human development outcomes, economic returns, and cost-effectiveness estimates to support national policy and investment decisions.

About you

You will hold or be close to completion of a master’s degree, or be enrolled in a doctoral programme, in Economics, Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field, with demonstrable quantitative research skills and experience with econometric analysis. You will be proficient in statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, or Python) and be familiar with large-scale survey datasets. A strong communicator, you will be able to work both independently and as part of a team and be experienced in managing competing deadlines. You will also have experience working with DHS, labour force surveys, or other national socioeconomic datasets.

Knowledge of Ethiopian context, particularly relevant to education, labour markets, and/or child marriage and experience of living or working in Sub-Saharan Africa would also be an advantage. 

The Department is committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion. The hours may be worked flexibly to complement caring responsibilities and applications are welcomed from part-time workers seeking a job share position - please state preferred hours and working pattern in your application.

You will be based in Oxford as your normal place of work however there is opportunity for remote working.

The Department of Social Policy and Intervention holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award which demonstrates our commitment towards advancement of gender equality in higher education and research institutions: equal opportunities, representation and success for all.

How to apply

As part of your application, you will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement, along with the name and contact details of two referees. The supporting statement should explain how you meet the essential criteria for the post using clear examples. Please click here for information and advice on writing an effective supporting statement.

Further information, including how to apply, is available in the attached job description. Any further enquires may be directed to the email address below.

Only online applications received by 12.00 noon on 22 December 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held on 21 January 2026.

Please note that the department is closed from 24th December until 5th January and that we will not be contacting applicants until January 2026.

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