Postdoctoral Quantitative Researcher - Economics Lead (Government Outcomes Lab) - Public Sector Reform

Location: Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG

Whilst the role is a Grade 8 position, we would be willing to consider candidates with less experience for which an appointment would be at Grade 7 (£39,424 - £47,779 per annum) with the job title and responsibilities adjusted accordingly. This would be discussed with applicants at interview/appointment where appropriate. 

About the Blavatnik School of Government

Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; generating research with impact; and engaging with governments and practitioners.

About the role

We are seeking a researcher with strong expertise in quantitative methods, causal inference, and applied econometrics, and the flexibility to work in a complex, fast-moving, multi-method evaluation environment. The TLG programme operates in settings that do not always allow for neat experimental design, with adaptive, place-based interventions. The postholder will need to combine technical rigour with judgement, including when to use quasi-experimental methods, when evaluability conditions are not met, and how to communicate uncertainty clearly.

This is a senior role within the GO Lab evaluation team for TLG, responsible for quantitative and economic research within the wider evaluation. The postholder will contribute to analysis and methodological development, while also supervising and mentoring at least one researcher. Working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, the role will support impact evaluation, Value for Money and Value for Investment analysis, portfolio-level quantitative work, as well as publications, funding bids, and policy-relevant outputs.

About You 

You will hold a PhD/DPhil in economics, econometrics, statistics, public policy, or a closely related quantitative discipline, with post-qualification research experience. There is also the possibility to underfill the role, in which case hold a Master’s degree in a relevant filed such as economics, econometrics, statistics, public policy, or a closely related quantitative discipline.

You will have a strong publication record or clear potential to produce publishable research, and familiarity with the relevant literature in applied econometrics, causal inference, and public sector evaluation.

You will have strong specialist knowledge of quantitative research methods and applied econometrics, including causal inference techniques such as Difference-in-Differences, RCTs, matching, or instrumental variables, enabling you to develop independent research projects and methodologies. You will be able to independently plan and manage research activity, including contributing to budget management and prioritising work in a complex, multi-strand evaluation, as well as contributing to grant applications and future funding proposals.

Application Process

Please upload a supporting statement that outlines how you meet the selection criteria in your own words, along with your CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon (UK time) on Monday, 22 June 2026.

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