At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research and develop bold policy ideas for public services and youth challenges.
- Company: Join the UK's leading independent thinktank, shaping progressive policies for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, collaborative environment, and the chance to influence UK policymaking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society while working at the heart of UK politics.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in social policy and experience in public services or youth-related challenges.
- Other info: Diverse team culture valuing creativity and different perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is the UK’s leading independent thinktank. Our pioneering research and ideas have shaped progressive policy making for more than three decades. From making the early case for the minimum wage and taking regional inequality to the top of the political agenda, to proposing a windfall tax on energy companies, our research and policy work has put forward practical solutions for the crises facing society - to enable justice, progress and change.
About the role
We are looking for a talented researcher to join the public services team, based in the heart of Westminster. In this role, you’ll be part of a fast‑moving, ambitious and high‑profile programme tackling some of the biggest challenges facing the UK. You’ll work across public services policy and policy relating to the challenges faced by children and young people. You’ll help to deliver rigorous research, develop bold policy ideas, and communicate findings clearly to audiences who can turn them into action. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to high‑impact work while learning from and working closely with colleagues across IPPR and with external partners.
About you
We are looking for a collaborative, thoughtful and creative individual with the skills and experience to effectively design, deliver and contribute to high-quality research projects. You will bring a strong interest in social policy and expertise in either public services policy or policy relating to the challenges faced by children and young people, alongside a keen interest in politics, government and the policymaking process. You’ll be comfortable working with ambiguity and able to help bring clarity for yourself and others. You will have strong communication skills, including the ability to build positive and collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. You will also be a confident writer, able to communicate complex ideas clearly to different audiences and in a variety of formats, and keen to engage with written and broadcast media opportunities.
Why join us?
You’ll be joining a passionate, mission-led team during a period of growth and impact. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to influential research and policy at an exciting time in UK politics. This role is based in our London office, right in the heart of Westminster, placing you at the centre of UK policymaking and public affairs. We value the benefits of in-person collaboration and ask staff to spend at least 40 per cent of their working hours in the office. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time hours, job-share arrangements, or other flexible options. We’re open to shaping the role around the right person, and all working patterns can be discussed at the interview stage. IPPR is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community, and from applicants with a range of professional and lived experiences. As an organisation engaging in critical debate about a wide range of progressive policy issues, we value the creativity and range of perspectives that a diverse team can provide.
Ready to apply?
For further information and full details on how to apply, please download the information pack from our website. We’d be grateful if you could also complete our equality and diversity monitoring form.
Closing date for applications: 5pm on Monday 2 March. Interviews will take place in our London office on Wednesday 11 March.
Research Fellow in London employer: INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH
Contact Detail:
INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the IPPR. Attend events, join discussions, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research skills! Prepare a mini-project or case study related to public services or youth policy that you can discuss during interviews. This will not only demonstrate your expertise but also your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about current events! Stay updated on UK politics and social issues, especially those affecting children and young people. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at IPPR. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with their mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Research: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for social policy and research shine through. We want to see how your interests align with our mission at IPPR, so don’t hold back on sharing what drives you!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in public services policy or working with children and young people. We love seeing how your unique background can contribute to our team’s goals.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate strong communication skills, so keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon where possible and make sure your ideas are easy to understand – remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate complex concepts effectively!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the IPPR's recent publications and projects. Familiarise yourself with their key policy proposals, especially those related to public services and youth challenges. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role emphasises teamwork, prepare examples of past collaborative projects. Think about how you’ve worked with diverse stakeholders and how you’ve navigated challenges together. Be ready to discuss how you can bring this collaborative spirit to the IPPR team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex ideas in a straightforward manner. You might be asked to explain your research or policy ideas, so ensure you can break them down for different audiences. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your communication style.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
The job description mentions working with ambiguity, so think of instances where you've thrived in uncertain situations. Prepare to discuss how you approach problem-solving when faced with unclear parameters, and how you can help others find clarity in similar scenarios.