We are currently looking to appoint a Researcher/Economist to join our team. This is a full time, paid position. The deadline for applications is 9am Tuesday 10 January 2025.
The Social Market Foundation (SMF) is Britain’s leading cross-party think tank. Our mission is to enable markets and government to work together to benefit society. We achieve this through the development of high quality, independent and pragmatic public policy research and debate across a wide range of social and economic areas including competition.
We are looking to appoint a bright and ambitious new member of our research team.
The successful candidate will carry out original research across a range of policy topics, potentially including pensions, competition policy, energy and environment and technology and AI. A background or training in economics would be desirable but not essential.
About the role
As a researcher at the SMF you will:
- Carry out original research
- Undertake quantitative analysis, such analysing surveys and carrying out high level modelling
- 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
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. Ideally, we would like someone who is familiar and comfortable with economic concepts, methods and reasoning.
An ideal candidate will have the following characteristics, but we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet them all:
- 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 desirable
- 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
Benefits and working hours
Salary: £30,000 per annum
The SMF offers a contributory staff pension and generous holiday allowances.
Staff training and progression is important to us. We offer personal training budgets for staff members plus membership to Smart Thinking which provides online and in person training for think tankers.
Standard SMF working hours are 9.30am-6pm, Monday to Friday. We actively encourage flexible working and working patterns which are different to these hours. The appointee will be able to design their working week – in discussion with colleagues – to accommodate family commitments and other obligations.
The SMF is based in Westminster and the post-holder will be normally be expected to work in our office there at least two days a week, plus any additional days required by the team, for example to attend in-person SMF events. Other working time can be spent at home or in our office.
About the SMF
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 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
Applications should be sent to opportunities@smf.co.uk with the header “Researcher/Economist”
The deadline for applications is 9am Tuesday 10 January 2025. Interview dates: Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 20th January. Candidates for interview will be asked to complete a short written task in advance which will be discussed during the interview.
Applicants should attach two .docx, .pdf or word documents:
1. A CV (please read the notes on this carefully below)
2. A one-page covering letter summarising how you fit the person specification and why you are interested in this position.
Important notes – please read before applying
- 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.”
Applicants may download, complete and return an equality and diversity monitoring form. This is voluntary and not a condition of applying. A copy of the form can be found here.
The SMF is an equal opportunities employer and all our jobs are open to anyone, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, age, disability, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership, or pregnancy and maternity.
We particularly encourage applications from people whose backgrounds are poorly represented in Westminster-based institutions and employers.
