Senior Research Economist (Public Finances)

Core responsibilities:

• Play a central role in producing the IFS' reaction to and analysis of fiscal events and other fiscal announcements, and contribute to the annual IFS Green Budget
• Develop a substantive and rigorous programme of research to sit alongside and complement reaction to and analysis of fiscal events
• Represent the IFS in broadcast media interviews and other public forums with an unrelenting commitment to maintaining the IFS' reputation for impartiality and independence
• Develop a public profile and reputation for high-quality independent work among the fiscal policy community, and help to maintain strong links with external stakeholders

This role helps shape, carry out and communicate impactful research on some of the highest-profile topics in UK economic policy, playing a unique, independent role in the UK fiscal debate to inform policymaking through evidence-based analysis.

Required qualifications:

• An excellent academic background with at least one top-class degree (undergraduate, masters or PhD) in economics
• Strong and proven expertise in issues relating to the UK public finances and related policy issues
• First-rate written and oral communication skills, with an ability to explain complex economic ideas in plain language
• A firm and proven commitment to political independence, and a desire to shape public policy through evidence-based commentary
• A proven track record of managing projects and pushing them forward to completion
• Experience of, exposure to, and enthusiasm towards empirical economic research and analysis
• A capacity and willingness to manage and develop junior colleagues

Salary range: £73,000 - £91,000 (GBP). The position is permanent at the heart of the IFS with potential for part-time arrangement for the right candidate. The Institute offers training programmes, mentorship opportunities, and supports professional development including writing research funding applications.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is Europe's leading centre for research on the microeconomics of public policy. It is a politically independent registered educational charity aiming to bridge the gap between academia and public policy.