At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on social policy and engage in contemporary debates.
- Company: Join a leading Westminster think tank dedicated to building a fair economy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shorter working week, and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by tackling complex public policy challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantitative research and knowledge of labour markets or public services.
The predicted salary is between 44769 - 49764 € per year.
Full time, permanent contract with 6 months’ probation. NEF is looking for an economist or quantitative researcher to join its social policy team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading Westminster think tank, ideal for a curious and energetic researcher who is excited by NEF’s mission to build an economy that works for people and planet.
We strongly encourage you to apply if this role interests you, even if you’re not sure you meet every outlined criteria. We take an open-minded approach to how candidates may have developed the skills needed for the role.
We’re looking for someone with strong experience in rigorous quantitative public policy research, alongside specific knowledge of labour markets, public services, social security, or a related area. You’ll bring the energy and creativity to challenge established orthodoxies, and the skills to develop robust, innovative approaches to complex public policy challenges.
Economists and researchers at NEF bring deep expertise in at least one key UK economic or social policy area. They apply strong economic and quantitative research skills, working collaboratively to produce high quality analysis and insight, and taking ownership of discrete elements within larger projects.
A key part of the role is connecting research to contemporary debates, and communicating complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences, both internally and externally.
- Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
- Salary: £44,769 - £49,764
- Location: London/South East (in-office minimum two days per week)
- Contract type: Permanent
How to apply
Deadline for applications: midnight, 10th June 2026
Interviews: First stage interviews 23rd June with second stage in person interviews on the 29th June
Start date: ASAP
Please send your CV and Covering letter (no longer than 1 page and in Word format) outlining how you meet the person specification. Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form. You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.
Inclusivity at NEF: NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.
Accessibility and Equal Opportunity: We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know. We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.
Social Policy Economist/Quantitative Researcher in London employer: NEW ECONOMICS FOUNDATION
At NEF, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic workplace that champions diversity and innovation. Our commitment to a shorter working week allows for a better work-life balance, while our location in London provides access to a vibrant network of thought leaders and policymakers. We offer robust opportunities for professional growth, encouraging our team members to challenge the status quo and contribute meaningfully to social policy research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Policy Economist/Quantitative Researcher in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current NEF employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by researching NEF’s recent projects and publications. Show us you’re genuinely interested in our mission and how your skills can contribute to building an economy that works for people and the planet.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice articulating your thoughts on complex public policy issues. We want to see how you communicate ideas clearly and persuasively, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to follow our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Policy Economist/Quantitative Researcher in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience in quantitative public policy research and any specific knowledge you have about labour markets or social security. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Keep it to one page and clearly outline how you meet the person specification. Show us your energy and creativity, and don’t forget to connect your research interests to contemporary debates.
Be Yourself:We’re looking for diverse candidates who bring unique perspectives. Don’t worry if you don’t meet every single criterion; we value different experiences and backgrounds. Just be genuine about what you can bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your CV and cover letter, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NEW ECONOMICS FOUNDATION
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of labour markets, public services, and social security. NEF is looking for someone who can challenge established ideas, so be ready to discuss how your quantitative research experience aligns with their mission.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex economic concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to connect your research to current debates, so think about how you can make your insights accessible to a variety of audiences, both inside and outside the organisation.
✨Show Your Energy and Creativity
NEF values curiosity and innovative thinking. Prepare examples of how you've approached public policy challenges creatively in the past. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a numbers person but also someone who can think outside the box.
✨Tailor Your Application
When writing your CV and cover letter, highlight experiences that directly relate to the job description. Use specific examples to show how you meet the criteria, and don’t hesitate to express your enthusiasm for NEF’s mission to build an economy that works for people and the planet.
