At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research the economic impacts of digitalisation and green transformation.
- Company: University of Sussex, a leading institution fostering innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with top European universities and contribute to impactful research projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding transitions that shape our economies and societies.
- Qualifications: PhD in economics or related field, with strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 € per year.
The Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at the University of Sussex is seeking to appoint a highly talented and motivated researcher to join a Horizon Europe-funded project called Past and Current Transitions: A new pact for fair and resilient European regions (PACT). You will work under the joint supervision of Dr Carolin Ioramashvili, Professor Maria Savona and Professor Daniele Rotolo.
The PACT project aims to analyse the social and economic consequences of the so‑called ‘twin transition’ towards digitalisation and green transformation in European regions; regions already shaped by earlier socio-economic transformations, notably moves from manufacturing to service economies. The project mixes quantitative and qualitative methods in a combined historical and contemporary study that will generate knowledge and insight for a more just twin transition.
Your contribution will include:
- Studying historical shocks to regional economies, including from technological change and global trade;
- Analysing business and employee data to trace the economic impacts of shocks;
- NLP‑based analysis of large‑scale textual data (for example, data extracted from the Global Database of Events, Language and Tone, GDELT) to identify policy actions and responses.
As well as working within the project team, you will communicate and collaborate with PACT partners at leading European universities and research institutions: Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis (Greece), Centre for European Policy Studies (Belgium), Centre For Economic And Regional Studies (Hungary), Complexity Science Hub (Austria), Gran Sasso Science Institute (Italy), Universiteit Maastricht (Netherlands), University of Ferrara (Italy), and University of Gothenburg (Sweden).
About you
Ideally you will hold or be close to completing a PhD in a relevant field, such as economics, innovation studies or economic geography. You should have excellent skills in quantitative methods but also some experience in combining qualitative research methodologies with quantitative approaches. You will have the skills to manage your own workload and at times, support other colleagues. You will communicate clearly with the team, line management, and stakeholders.
Specifically, you should be able to:
- Work with large, business and individual level datasets to identify economic shocks, and analyse changes in industry and employment structures;
- Use causal inference methods to identify the impacts of shocks on businesses and individuals, including productivity, employment and labour mobility;
- Process large‑scale text corpora using NLP and related techniques to classify content and extract entities and relations among them;
- Contribute to the writing of academic papers and shorter outputs such as reports and blog posts.
Expected Start Date: October 2026
Fixed Term Contract Duration: Fixed Term for 18 Months.
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full time and appointed at Grade 7.4. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship. The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.
Research Fellow in the Economics and Geography of Innovation employer: Brighton and Sussex Medical School
The University of Sussex is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Research Fellow in the Economics and Geography of Innovation, you will have access to extensive professional development opportunities, working alongside leading academics on impactful projects that shape the future of European regions. Located in Brighton, a city known for its creativity and diversity, you will enjoy a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages flexible working arrangements.
Contact Detail:
Brighton and Sussex Medical School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in the Economics and Geography of Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Sussex or within the SPRU. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the team culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the PACT project. We should be ready to discuss how our skills in quantitative and qualitative methods can contribute to their goals. Show them we’re not just a good fit, but the perfect match!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help us articulate our experiences and skills confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like economic shocks and NLP techniques.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team and contributing to innovative research.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in the Economics and Geography of Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Fellow role. Highlight your relevant experience in economics, innovation studies, or economic geography, and showcase how your skills align with the PACT project’s goals.
Showcase Your Skills:We want to see your quantitative and qualitative research skills shine! Include specific examples of how you've used these methods in past projects, especially if you've worked with large datasets or NLP techniques.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton and Sussex Medical School
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the PACT project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key themes of digitalisation and green transformation, as well as the socio-economic impacts of these transitions. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with the project's goals.
✨Showcase Your Methodological Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully combined these approaches, especially in analysing economic shocks or using NLP techniques. This will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the research team's objectives.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in collaborative projects like PACT. Practice explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise manner. During the interview, make sure to engage with your interviewers, ask questions, and express your thoughts confidently. This will showcase your ability to work well within a team and with external partners.
✨Prepare for Academic Writing Discussions
Since contributing to academic papers and reports is part of the role, be ready to discuss your writing experience. Bring examples of your previous work, whether it's papers, reports, or blog posts. This will give the interviewers insight into your writing style and ability to communicate research findings effectively.
