At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape impactful research programmes that influence policy and public debate.
- Company: NIESR, a leading independent research institute dedicated to economic and societal understanding.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by driving high-quality research with significant external impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research, strong analytical skills, and experience in collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
NIESR is an independent research institute improving understanding of the economy and society through rigorous, policy-relevant research and public engagement. We work with policymakers, academics and partners in the UK and internationally to inform decision-making and public debate.
The role involves providing strategic leadership for NIESR’s research, ensuring delivery of a high-quality, ambitious and policy-relevant programme of work with strong external visibility and impact. The Research Director will shape and deliver the Institute’s research strategy—raising the ambition and profile of NIESR’s work, strengthening collaboration across teams, ensuring quality, and supporting growth in external income and partnerships.
Key responsibilities- Research leadership and strategic direction: Lead an ambitious research programme aligned with NIESR’s strategic priorities as outlined in our Research Strategy. Build coherence and collaboration across teams, and promote innovation in themes, methods, partnerships and outputs.
- Ensuring quality, raising ambition and impact: Ensure consistently high standards of analytical quality, policy relevance and intellectual rigour. Increase the visibility and influence of outputs, supporting cross-cutting projects and constructively challenging teams to improve reach and impact.
- Leadership of people and performance: Lead, motivate and develop research staff, fostering high performance, collaboration and continuous improvement. Oversee recruitment, talent development, succession planning and performance management across the research function.
- Income generation and external partnerships: Contribute to funding proposals, research bids and commissioned work to sustain a diverse portfolio. Build and sustain relationships with funders, strategic partners, academic collaborators and policymakers in the UK and internationally. Work with colleagues across the Institute to develop partnerships, events and convening activity that enhance the scale and impact of NIESR’s research.
- External profile and influence: Act as a principal public-facing representative of NIESR’s research, strengthening its visibility, authority and influence. Build senior external relationships and pursue opportunities to expand the reach and practical impact of the Institute’s work (events, media and strategic partnerships).
- Institutional leadership: Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team to the overall direction and management of the Institute. Support organisational change and work with the Director and colleagues to translate strategic priorities into deliverable plans and outcomes.
How to apply: Please submit your CV and a two-page cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria, as outlined on the job description and person specification, for the role and your vision for leading NIESR’s research programme. Please include your availability and any relevant publications or outputs. You may wish to review NIESR’s new Research Strategy prior to application.
Closing date: 3 June 2026 (we may close the advert early if the right candidate is found). NIESR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will consider reasonable adjustments to support candidates through the recruitment process.
Research Director in London employer: National Institute of Economic and Social Research
NIESR is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where research excellence meets impactful public engagement. As a Research Director, you will lead a talented team in a collaborative culture that prioritises innovation and professional growth, while contributing to meaningful policy-relevant research that shapes the economy and society. Located in the heart of the UK, NIESR provides unique opportunities for networking with policymakers and academics, ensuring your work has a significant influence both nationally and internationally.
Contact Details:
National Institute of Economic and Social Research Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building connections can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its recent projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in NIESR’s work and how you can contribute to their ambitious research programme.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for leading NIESR’s research programme clearly and confidently. We want to hear how you plan to raise the ambition and profile of our work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show us that you’re enthusiastic about the opportunity. Plus, it keeps you on our radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Director role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with NIESR’s strategic priorities. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious research programme!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just repeat your CV but tell us your story. Explain how your vision aligns with NIESR’s mission and how you plan to lead our research programme. Be clear, concise, and passionate!
Showcase Your Impact:When discussing your previous work, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've raised standards, fostered collaboration, or influenced policy. We love seeing tangible results!
Review Our Research Strategy:Before hitting 'send', take a moment to review NIESR’s new Research Strategy. This will help you align your application with our goals and show us that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Institute of Economic and Social Research
✨Know the Research Strategy Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly review NIESR’s Research Strategy. Understand its key priorities and how your vision aligns with them. This will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can contribute to raising the ambition and profile of their work.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Research Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, fostered collaboration, and driven high performance. Be ready to discuss how you would motivate and develop research staff at NIESR.
✨Highlight Your External Engagement Experience
NIESR values strong external visibility and partnerships. Share specific instances where you've successfully built relationships with funders, policymakers, or academic collaborators. Discuss how these experiences can translate into enhancing NIESR’s influence and reach.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about strategic direction and income generation. Think about how you would approach funding proposals and partnerships. Be prepared to discuss innovative ideas that could sustain and grow NIESR’s research portfolio while ensuring quality and impact.
