Lead Economist - Geospatial Research

Oxford Economics, a leading economic forecasting and consulting firm, is looking to hire a Lead Economist - Geospatial Research. At Oxford Economics, we are at the forefront of city-level economic analysis, using advanced data analytics to provide actionable insights that drive decision-making across a range of industries. The cities team specialise in forecasting cities and regions globally, integrating economic models with geospatial analysis to explore current trends and future prospects.

We are looking for a passionate and technically skilled economist to join our team and steer our technical research into the use of emerging data science and spatial analytics techniques within our city regional economic monitoring and forecasting services, and related location analytics projects. The team consists of more than 40 economists who help clients understand the structure and outlook of thousands of locations across all parts of the world, as well as quantifying key risks under different economic scenarios and climate pathways. The team supports its client base through a range of subscription services and consultancy projects.

The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team to conduct in-depth research focused on the intersection of economics and geospatial data. They will be responsible for designing, executing, and analysing complex economic models using geospatial data to uncover trends, spatial patterns, and correlations in various economic sectors. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in data analysis, economic modelling, and geospatial techniques. In the role, they will collaborate with other teams at Oxford Economics, utilising different expertise to provide powerful solutions. The role involves working with diverse clients worldwide and therefore strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

The role will suit candidates with a strong academic background in economics, geography, or a related discipline, and those with at least 10 years’ experience undertaking relevant work.

We offer a rewarding work environment with room for growth, highly competitive salary package (including bonus plan), and an excellent benefits package.

• Guide and coordinate the technical research on city and regional economies;
• Ensure that Oxford Economics’ city forecasting methods and research are market-leading;
• Present research findings to internal teams, clients, and stakeholders with clear, actionable recommendations;
• Stay updated on the latest trends and methodologies in economics, data science, and geospatial technologies;
• Plan and structure projects, including the coordination of contributions of junior team members;
• Support the continued development of the team, sharing knowledge and expertise, and mentoring junior colleagues, and bringing new ideas and techniques to the team;
• Design and develop quantitative models to assess economic performance, spatial disparities, and the impact of geographic factors on economic activities;
• Utilize advanced tools and programming languages (e.g., Python, R, GIS software) for data analysis;
• Work with large-scale geospatial datasets, integrating them with economic indicators to generate actionable insights.

The successful candidate will be expected to have at least 10 years of prior experience working in the field of urban economics, or a closely related discipline. The successful candidate will be rigorous, adaptable and creative in seeking solutions to difficult economic questions and should also have the following attributes:

• Strong academic education in economics, geography, or a related discipline;
• Strong proficiency in geospatial analysis tools such as GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and programming languages (e.g., Python, R);
• Skills and experience undertaking and co-ordinating urban economic analysis, such as market assessments, economic impact studies, economic forecasting, or demographic analysis;
• Experience with geospatial-specific statistical modelling, such as geographically weighted regression, spatial autoregressive modelling, as well as traditional econometric models;
• Experience with leveraging machine learning techniques for both classification and regression outputs;
• In-depth knowledge of economic concepts, issues, and analytical techniques relevant to sub-national analysis;
• High level of proficiency in project and client management;
• Strong written and verbal communication, including experience in explaining technical concepts and quantitative results to non-specialists;
• Experience in training and developing junior staff;
• Ability to problem solve and produce innovative analysis to a range of different projects and challenges, including spatial, conceptual, strategic, and economic issues;
• Entrepreneurial and proactive in identifying emerging business opportunities, and developing solutions on how the need can be met by the team;
• Ability to work independently and in cross-functional teams.

Here are some of the benefits we offer in the UK to ensure you feel valued, supported, and thrive at work:

• Private Healthcare
• Employee Assistance Program
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Hybrid/Flexible Working
• Team Gatherings and Connection Boost!

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Oxford Economics is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.