A fantastic opportunity to join the Social Market Foundation's research team, focussing on policy and quantitative analysis.
Location: Westminster, London
Start date: As soon as possible
The Social Market Foundation is a think-tank based at Westminster working to answer the major political and economic challenges of the day. Our work is consulted by senior politicians and officials and reported in the national media.
We are currently looking to appoint a bright and ambitious Researcher to join our research team, focussing on policy and quantitative analysis.
The successful candidate will carry out original research into one or more of the SMF’s areas of interest including public service reform, Britain’s future outside the EU, making consumer markets work for all, and the role of skills and education in delivering a fairer, stronger economy.
About the role
As a researcher at the SMF you will:
- Carry out original research
- Undertake quantitative analysis
- Write (jointly and alone) reports, opinion pieces and articles
- Represent the SMF externally at meetings, events and in the media
- Lead and manage research projects from initial conception through to publication and launch
- Support the communication of our research through social media and other channels
- Be central to developing new policy ideas and thinking at the SMF
Our researchers quickly gain the independence to lead their own projects, author reports, write about them for a wide audience and appear on television and radio.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who can generate striking hypotheses, test them using the available evidence and explain their significance in a clear and compelling way.
As an ideal candidate you will have:
- Experience carrying out analysis and research through work and/or through your academic career
- Experience in undertaking quantitative analysis. Experience in handling large datasets using statistical software – such as Stata or R – would be a strong advantage
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent planning and organisation skills and an attention to detail
- Ability to work quickly and under pressure when necessary
- A keen interest in UK public policy and politics, and a commitment to the aims and objectives of the SMF
Outlook
The SMF is a cross-party think-tank governed by a board of trustees that includes members of all major political parties, and non-partisan figures. This non-partisan outlook informs all of our work, which reflects our status as a charity committed to public education in public policy. We welcome applications from people of all political perspectives who are happy to put the pursuit of good policy ahead of partisanship and ideology.
How to apply
Please send the following documents to opportunities@smf.co.uk, with a subject line of “Application: researcher”:
- Your CV
- A 1-page letter outlining your interest in the SMF and your suitability for the role.
- Applicants are also asked to complete and return a diversity monitoring form with their applications. This is optional and can be downloaded here.
“Name-blinding” process
- Applications will be sifted on a name-blind basis. Please do not include your first or last name on your CV or covering letter. So we can identify you please include your name in the email you send with your application.
- CVs should omit institutions. Please do not include the names of schools or universities attended. Do include courses studied and qualifications obtained.
- Where possible, please remove references that might identify your background, sex or other characteristics. For instance, change references to “University women’s football team” to “university football team.”
Application deadline: 9am, Wednesday 16 June.
Interview dates: Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 28 June. Candidates for interview will be asked to complete a short written task in advance which will be discussed during the interview.
Working pattern: this is a full-time role but the SMF does not operate fixed working hours and encourages flexible approaches to working. If you would like to discuss flexible working patterns or other approaches to help balance work with other commitments, please mention this in your application email.
