Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Research Economist (Public Finances)
at Institute for Fiscal Studies
🏢 About Institute for Fiscal Studies
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is a uniquely influential independent research institute that shapes UK economic policy through rigorous, non-partisan analysis. Unlike academic institutions or government bodies, IFS maintains strict impartiality while directly informing public debate through its Green Budget reports and immediate fiscal event reactions. Working here means contributing to evidence-based policy that affects millions, with research that consistently receives national media attention and parliamentary consideration.
About This Role
This Senior Research Economist role centers on leading IFS's high-profile analysis of UK fiscal events (like Budgets and Autumn Statements) and developing an independent research program on public finances. You'll be responsible for producing timely, rigorous outputs that maintain IFS's reputation for impartiality while mentoring junior researchers and representing the institute in broadcast media interviews. Your work will directly shape public understanding of tax, spending, and debt policy at critical moments.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading morning analysis of overnight fiscal announcements with your research team, drafting sections of the IFS Green Budget report, preparing for a BBC Newsnight interview on tax policy changes, and mentoring a junior researcher on econometric techniques for expenditure analysis. You'll balance long-term research projects with rapid-response work that requires both technical rigor and clear communication under pressure.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Institute for Fiscal Studies Is Looking For
- Holds an outstanding economics degree (undergraduate, masters or PhD) from a top-tier institution with demonstrated expertise in UK public finances, tax policy, or fiscal sustainability
- Has proven experience translating complex fiscal concepts into clear, accessible language for policymakers and the public, with actual broadcast media experience or clear potential
- Demonstrates project leadership in economic research with published work or policy analysis that shows rigorous methodology and timely delivery
- Exhibits genuine commitment to impartiality and independence, avoiding partisan language while maintaining intellectual curiosity about fiscal policy trade-offs
📝 Tips for Applying to Institute for Fiscal Studies
Quantify your impact in previous fiscal analysis roles - e.g., 'my analysis of the 2023 Spring Budget reached 2M readers through The Guardian' or 'my research on council tax reform was cited in Treasury Committee hearings'
Include a brief (1-2 paragraph) sample analysis of a recent UK fiscal policy change in your application, demonstrating your ability to quickly assess announcements with IFS's impartial tone
Reference specific IFS publications you've engaged with - e.g., 'I found the 2024 Green Budget's treatment of debt sustainability particularly insightful because...'
Highlight any experience mentoring junior economists or managing research assistants, as this role includes formal line management responsibilities
Demonstrate your understanding of IFS's unique position by avoiding partisan language while showing passion for evidence-based policy impact
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific expertise in UK public finances - mention particular areas (e.g., tax devolution, welfare spending, fiscal rules) where you have deep knowledge', 'Examples of translating complex economic analysis for public audiences, especially any media experience or public-facing writing', "How your research interests align with IFS's work - suggest 1-2 potential research topics that complement their fiscal events analysis", "Your commitment to impartiality and how you've maintained objectivity in previous policy-relevant work"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read the last 2-3 IFS Green Budgets and identify analytical approaches you admire or would build upon
- → Study IFS's recent fiscal event reactions (Budget, Autumn Statement) to understand their tone, speed, and communication style
- → Review the IFS Code of Conduct and governance structure to understand their commitment to independence
- → Familiarize yourself with key IFS researchers' work on public finances, particularly Director Paul Johnson and senior economists
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using partisan language or appearing aligned with a political party - IFS's credibility depends on strict neutrality
- Focusing only on academic research without demonstrating ability to produce timely policy analysis for public audiences
- Being vague about UK public finances knowledge - interviewers will expect specific understanding of current fiscal debates and institutions
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Institute for Fiscal Studies!