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- Tasks: Join our team as a Research Assistant, supporting impactful research and evaluations.
- Company: Ecorys is a leading consultancy dedicated to making a positive societal impact through research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and social responsibility.
- Qualifications: A good degree in social sciences or related fields; experience in research is a plus.
- Other info: Ideal start date is autumn 2025; early applications are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Ecorys is an international, world-class research-based consultancy that helps our clients make a positive impact on society. We are leaders in research, evaluation, project management, and communications, providing the evidence and advice needed to address societal issues globally. Our 600 staff are proud of our innovative contributions to policy and programme delivery. We are passionate about our environmental and social impact, donating profits to charity, volunteering, and maintaining carbon neutrality.
What you will be doing
Our UK-based Policy and Research team is currently seeking emerging research talent to join our team of over 100 research and evaluation specialists. You will support work across various clients, including qualitative and quantitative research, evaluations, impact assessments, and dissemination activities.
We are particularly interested in junior researchers with knowledge of UK social and economic policy areas such as environment, education, children, youth, families, health, crime, justice, local economic development, and financial inclusion. Expertise in other UK priority areas is a plus.
As a Research Assistant, you will develop skills in desk research, literature reviews, survey design, interviews, and data analysis using software like Excel, MAXQDA, and R. You will have opportunities to grow client-facing and business development skills and potentially specialize further in methodologies or evaluations. Some UK travel may be involved.
Our recent projects include evaluations for the UK government on environment, education, and youth programmes. We support your career development through training, mentoring, and regular reviews, with a dedicated line manager and buddy.
We are looking for a candidate to join us in any UK office, ideally starting in autumn 2025. We offer a collaborative, supportive culture with various staff networks and activities, including volunteering opportunities.
What we will need from you
- A good undergraduate degree in social sciences, geography, statistics, maths, economics, research methods, or related fields. A Master’s degree is desirable but not required.
- Interest and knowledge of UK social and economic policy areas.
- Experience applying research skills practically.
- Ability to produce reports in various formats.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews and survey analysis.
- Critical and creative thinking with data.
- Excellent English language skills; additional languages are a bonus.
- Ownership of problems, proactive communication, and good organizational skills.
- Familiarity with research software MAXQDA and R.
We offer a competitive benefits package, including salary, bonuses, flexible working, and other perks. Our hybrid working model involves 2-3 days in the office and 1-2 days remote.
Please apply with your CV and cover letter, stating your preferred location and start date, by Friday 22nd August 2025. Early applications are encouraged. For adjustments or accessible formats, contact recruitment@ecorys.com.
Ecorys is a Disability Confident Employer.
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Research Assistant - UK Social Policy employer: Ecorys UK
Contact Detail:
Ecorys UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant - UK Social Policy
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with current UK social and economic policies. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the field, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the research and policy sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with people who work at Ecorys or similar organisations, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain practical experience by volunteering for research projects or internships related to social policy. This hands-on experience will enhance your CV and give you real-world examples to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your data analysis skills, particularly with software like Excel, MAXQDA, and R. Being proficient in these tools will set you apart from other candidates and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant - UK Social Policy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Research Assistant position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, particularly in UK social and economic policy areas.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job requirements. Emphasise any research projects, coursework, or internships related to social sciences, statistics, or economics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social policy and research. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to Ecorys's mission.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, be sure to mention your familiarity with research software like MAXQDA and R, as well as your critical thinking and organisational skills. These are crucial for the role and will set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ecorys UK
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Highlight specific projects where you've applied these skills, especially in areas relevant to UK social policy.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Social Policy
Familiarise yourself with current UK social and economic policies. Be ready to discuss how these policies impact society and how your research can contribute to addressing these issues.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role involves using software like MAXQDA and R, brush up on your technical skills. Be ready to explain how you've used these tools in past projects or how you would approach data analysis.
✨Exhibit Proactive Communication
During the interview, demonstrate your proactive communication style. Share examples of how you've taken ownership of problems in previous roles and how you effectively communicated solutions to your team.
