Principal Economist

The National Institute of Economic and Social Research is Britain’s oldest, and one of its most prestigious independent research institutes.  We specialise in applied social and economic research, combining high academic standards with relevance to policy making.  Our reputation for quality and independence, outstanding networks and unrivalled location at the heart of Westminster makes us the ideal base to build a national profile for academic or policy research that makes real impact.

We are seeking a Principal Economist to join the Macro team.  The purpose of the role is to lead on several concurrent research projects in your area(s) of expertise, design and carry out high quality research, and contribute to the production of our Quarterly UK and Global Economic Outlooks.   You will mentor and supervise less experienced researchers, and have line management responsibility for one or more junior members of staff.  You will contribute to cultivating external networks and future sources of funding and collaborate in developing research proposals and delivering successful projects.

Please see the job description for full details of the role.

Job title: Principal Economist – Macro
Working hours: 35 hours per week, open to flexible working
Location: SW1P 3HE.  Staff will have the option of working two days a week from home as standard, with other requests considered on a case-by-case basis.
Salary: £47,000
Benefits: 30 days holiday, USS pension

The essential requirements we are looking for in the successful candidate are:

Experience

  1. Leading/coordinating research projects from inception to completion and achieving high quality results.
  2. Managing multiple competing priorities to meet strict deadlines.
  3. Using a range of research techniques and methodologies; particularly quantitative and econometric approaches.
  4. Analysing and interpreting complex information to generate evidence-based conclusions.
  5. Demonstrable success in writing research bids and proposals.
  6. Working collaboratively across teams/organisations to achieve specific outcomes.
  7. Constructively challenging the accepted ways of thinking/doing things, and thinking critically to develop new ideas, approaches, and ways of working.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

  1. PhD in economics or another relevant quantitative social science, or equivalent experience.
  2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information in an audience appropriate way.
  3. High level of attention to detail, with the ability to ensure the accuracy of complex reports and data sets without the need for oversight or checking.
  4. Ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
  5. Knowledge of standard software packages and standard data analysis packages.
  6. Strong interest in real world economic and policy developments.

To apply

To apply for this role, please send full CV and a supporting statement of no more than 1500 words setting how you meet the essential requirements outlined above.  Please number each point and address these one at a time to ensure that we are able to fully consider how your experience, skills and abilities meet the needs of the post.  Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of the role.

Applications should be sent to Fran Leadbeater via email: hr@niesr.ac.uk.  In your application, please include the following:

  • Where you saw the advert
  • Approximate start date

Closing date for applications is Monday 12th June.

Interviews will be held week commencing 26th June.