At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful economic research and influence policy through engagement with policymakers.
- Company: Join the Institute for Fiscal Studies, Europe's leading microeconomic research centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, promotion opportunities, and a chance to shape future research.
- Other info: Permanent position with excellent career growth and a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public finance and labour markets while mentoring junior researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD in economics or expected by 2026, with strong research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 73400 - 90900 £ per year.
Institute For Fiscal Studies provided pay range
This range is provided by Institute For Fiscal Studies. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
IFS is Europe’s leading centre for microeconomic research and is an authoritative, independent commentator on a wide range of policy issues, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and the wider public.
The Director is Helen Miller and the Research Director is Imran Rasul. Research at IFS is led by a large number of Co‑Directors including James Banks, Richard Blundell, Aureo de Paula, Eric French, Francois Gerard, Rachel Griffth, Attila Lindner, and Fabien Postel‑Vinay.
Candidates should have an excellent academic background, a track‑record of producing high‑quality economic research and experience of and/or commitment to working on the UK context. First‑rate communication skills and a capacity and willingness to manage and develop junior colleagues are essential. Experience of achieving policy impact through research or of successfully bidding for external funding would be an additional asset. We are particularly interested in candidates working on the topics of public finance, tax, firms and labour markets.
Successful candidates are expected to build on their research agenda at IFS, lead projects aimed at publishing in top economics journals, raise funding, and influence policymaking through direct engagement with policymakers and the media. In addition, they will be expected to engage in mentorship and development of more junior researchers, often including formal line‑management responsibilities, contribute to the wider intellectual life and running of the institute. They will work within a team of researchers whose direction of research fits with the researcher’s expertise and interests. This will likely include a mix of senior academics and IFS research staff.
These are permanent positions with a remit to help shape, carry out, and communicate empirical research. The IFS promotes from within, and successful candidates would have scope for promotion and to develop a long‑term career at IFS. Applicants would join at the top of the pay‑scale for IFS Research Economists with the expectation of quick promotion to the position of Senior Research Economist (subject to performance), for which the salary range is currently £73,400 to £90,900. There will be considerable scope for successful candidates to shape future research ideas and to work on new initiatives to communicate our work and shape policy debates.
We welcome applications from individuals who have completed their PhD or students expecting to complete a PhD in 2026.
Applications should be submitted via EconJobMarket. We aim to interview shortlisted candidates at the European Job Market, which will be held virtually in December 15‑18, 2025. Subsequent fly‑outs will be arranged in January 2026 for short‑listed candidates.
Additional Information
- Salary: The salary information advertised reflects 2025 rates; these will be uplifted from April 2026 in line with inflation and cost‑of‑living adjustments, meaning the actual salary on appointment will be higher than the figure shown.
If you have any queries, please email jobs@ifs.org.uk.
Research Economist (PhD Job Market) employer: Institute for Fiscal Studies
The Institute for Fiscal Studies is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where research excellence meets impactful policy engagement. With a strong commitment to employee development, IFS provides ample opportunities for career progression and mentorship, ensuring that researchers can thrive in their roles while contributing to significant economic discourse. Located in the heart of London, employees benefit from a vibrant cultural scene and access to a network of leading economists, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping public policy through rigorous research.
Contact Details:
Institute for Fiscal Studies Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Economist (PhD Job Market)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your academic contacts and let them know you're on the job hunt. They might have insider info or even recommend you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your research and its policy implications. Be ready to discuss how your work can influence real-world decisions, especially in public finance and labour markets.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! Practice explaining complex economic concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with interviewers and demonstrate your ability to engage with policymakers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Economist (PhD Job Market)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Research Skills:Make sure to highlight your academic background and any high-quality economic research you've done. We want to see how your work aligns with the UK context and the topics we're interested in, like public finance and labour markets.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your experience and skills match what we’re looking for at IFS. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role.
Communicate Clearly:First-rate communication skills are essential, so make sure your application is clear and concise. We want to see that you can convey complex ideas effectively, as this will be key in influencing policymakers and engaging with the media.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application via EconJobMarket. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Fiscal Studies
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research in detail, especially how it relates to public finance, tax, and labour markets. Be prepared to explain your methodology and findings clearly, as well as how they could influence policy.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since first-rate communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating complex economic concepts in a way that’s accessible. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
Highlight any experience you have in mentoring or managing junior colleagues. Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing others in the team, as this is a key part of the role at IFS.
✨Engage with Current Policy Issues
Stay updated on current economic policies and debates in the UK. Being able to discuss recent developments and their implications will show your commitment to influencing policymaking through your research.
