Vacancy for a Research Economist
We are seeking to appoint an applied economist/researcher with strong quantitative skills to join our research team based in Brightonengaged in research on employment policy and human resource management. This document provides background information about the vacancy. Further information about IES can be obtained from the IES website:
If you wish to have an informal discussion about this post prior to submitting your application please contact Dr Stefan Speckesser, IES Principal Economist on 01273 763412.
The Institute
The Institute for Employment Studies is an independent, apolitical, international centre of research and consultancy in employment and human resource topics. It works closely with government departments, agencies, professional and employee bodies and with employers. For over 40 years the Institute has been a focus of knowledge and practical experience in employment and training policy, the operation of labour markets, and human resource planning and development. IES is a registered charity, with over 40 multidisciplinary staff and domestic and international associates. IES expertise is available to all organisations through research, consultancy, publications and the internet.
IES aims to help bring about sustainable improvements in employment policy and human resource management, by increasing the understanding and improving the practice of key decision-makers in policy bodies and employing organisations.
How IES works
IES has three main markets: UK public policy; international public policy, mainly in Europe; and work on Human Resource Management.
Our research and consultancy expertise covers a wide range of employment and human resource management topics using a variety of research and consultancy techniques.
UK public policy work is funded by a range of clients including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy(BEIS), the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). In addition, our client base includes research foundations, as well as other labour market agencies such as the Skills Funding Agency and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. IES is a partner with the London School of Economics and others in the Centre for Vocational Education Research.
European public policy work: is funded mainly by international organisations, particularly the European Commission and the European Parliament (and, to a lesser extent, bodies such as the International Labour Organisation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development – OECD). In addition, IES works for the main specialist European agencies in our field, particularly the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound), the EU Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), and the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP).
IES work on Human Resource Management involves research and evidence-based consultancy with and for employing organisations. Some of this research is supported and delivered through the IES HR Network (a corporate membership programme whose members include a number of major public and private sector employers), where HR policy-makers and practitioners in member organisations learn and share best practice and help to shape the research agenda.
Our work for employing organisations is typically commissioned by a wide range of larger organisations in the private and public sectors. Recent clients include Defra, BAE Systems, BOC Ltd, EDF, Greater London Authority, Co-op Financial Services, DCMS and the Institute of Cancer Research.
Across all our markets, the emphasis of our work is on applied research and related consultancy. Our research ranges from major empirical investigations, through focused policy or HR management evaluations, to advice on policy formation and implementation. Projects and assignments may last from a few weeks to major research programmes spanning several years. Typically, research staff work on several projects simultaneously, usually as part of a team.
The job
We have a vacancy for aresearch economist with strong quantitative skills to contribute primarily to our expanding area of research in the quantitative analysis of employment and labour market data from surveys and administrative sources, including the analysis of policy impacts and costs and benefits of public policy. They will also be expected to contribute to our work for employing organisations where appropriate.
We are looking for a researcher who can:
■contribute to the development and preparation of project proposals and research designs
■undertake detailed statistical and econometric analysis of labour market data from surveys and administrative sources, including estimating the impacts and costs and benefits of policy programmes
■contribute to other research activities such as literature reviews; interviews; and report writing
■work with clients and other research team members to produce satisfactory project outcomes.
Projects are usually carried out by multi-disciplinary teams, and involve travel throughout the UK, and occasionally overseas.
The person
The successful candidate willbe a competent researcher, with a good understanding of applied research methods, and experience of using a range of social research techniques to a high standard in an applied research environment. In addition they will have:
■excellent academic qualifications in economics or empirical social sciences (preferably at Masters level or higher)
■theoretical knowledge and practical application skills in modern micro-econometrics or micro data methods in the social sciences
■strong numeracy skills, confidence in handling a range of quantitative data, and experience of using statistical software, in particular Stata
■a good understanding of UK and European public and skills employment policy
■some familiarity with the range of existing research in the area
■excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex findings and concepts to a lay audience, write well and make presentations clearly and engagingly
■good self-organisational and presentational skills and the ability to work well with clients
Terms and conditions
The appointment will be subject to IES terms and conditions, and salary scales. The appointment will be made to our Research Officer scale, which currently runs from £22,848 - £26,193. The starting salary will depend on the expertise and experience that a successful candidate brings to the job.
The appointment will be initially to a 12 month contract, with the likelihood of subsequent extension to a permanent post.
In addition, we offer:
■a salary supplement, payable most years, depending on the Institute’s financial performance
■to pay a monthly contribution to a pension scheme equal to 18% of your salary while you pay 8% contribution. to18% of your to a pension scheme, while you pay 8%;
■27 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and four Christmas closure days
The Institute offers appropriate training and development for staff and considerable opportunities for personal and career development. The publication and dissemination of research findings is highly respected and encouraged.
The Institute offers a well-developed induction programme to new staff, and further training and development opportunities thereafter, identified through an annual appraisal system.
This job will be based at the Institute’s head office, in Brighton. Brighton and the surrounding areas of Sussex offer a stimulating environment in which to live with close access to the sea, countryside, cultural activities, London (1 hour) and France (2.5 hours).
The Institute for Employment Studies is an Investor in People and a registered charity (no. 258390). IES seeks to be an equal opportunities employer and our equal opportunities policy is available on request.
The procedure
Only applications on an IES application form will be considered. Please return a completed form by Midday Monday 6th February 2017.
Careers, IES, City Gate, 185 Dyke Road, Brighton BN3 1TL. (Telephone: 01273 763421) or Email:
The Institute for Employment Studies is committed to equality of opportunity and we encourage diversity in the workplace. The current British and European law states that we cannot employ a person aged 16 or over who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs (see UK Border Agency website).
Appointments will be subject to a report from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland.
We are also unable to apply for work permits until all European Economic Area/European Union (EEA/EU) options have been eliminated. This effectively means that we are very unlikely to apply for a work permit unless a candidate has rare skills, which we cannot source from within the EU/EEA.
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