Research Fellow

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.