Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst
Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst

Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst

Full-Time 70000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
RESOLUTION FOUNDATION

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive innovative economic analysis and develop impactful policy recommendations.
  • Company: Join the Resolution Foundation, a leader in economic research and policy.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a supportive team culture.
  • Other info: Permanent role based in Westminster with opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in improving living standards and productivity in the UK.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in public policy or economic research; strong analytical and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 100000 £ per year.

The Resolution Foundation is looking for a motivated and experienced individual to drive the production of high quality, innovative economic analysis and the development of associated policy recommendations with a specific focus on economic growth and productivity.

This is an exciting time to join our team as we seek to turn around the stagnant living standards of the last twenty years through influencing both the policies that can boost economic growth, and those that affect families’ living standards directly.

What does the role involve?

Working at the heart of the Foundation’s research and policy team and in collaboration with external partners, the post holder will play a key role in designing and delivering an ambitious programme of research and policy work focused on economic growth. This will include informing and influencing public debates on the UK’s productivity performance and growth potential; analysis using and linking large business datasets and on the relationship between growth, living standards and inequality; and policy work on key growth levers such as AI and technological diffusion, industrial strategy, public and private investment and regulation.

Applicants will contribute to our high-profile work in the run-up to and immediately after fiscal events, produce reactive work in response to emerging public policy debates, and propose and undertake longer-term research and policy work relating to the growth and productivity in the UK. Working flexibly as a member of our research team, the successful candidate will also get involved in other areas of the Foundation’s work.

This is a permanent role based at our Westminster office. Applications for full-time or part-time hours are welcome, with a minimum of three days a week required.

What kind of person are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with a passion for improving living standards and productivity, and an ability to develop innovative policy solutions backed by rigorous research. The successful candidate will be one who fits into our supportive team culture and will collaborate effectively with others, internally and externally.

The role would suit an individual with the ability to conduct economic and policy analysis independently at an advanced level. This would be consistent with the skills obtained from significant experience (usually over 7 years) working in public policy or applied economic research, be that in government, think tanks, private sector or academia.

The individual will have university-level training in economics or equivalent experience gained in another context. Candidates will need strong numeracy skills, the ability to use Excel for data manipulation, and the ability to work with household- and firm-level microdata using appropriate statistical software. We are a topical and rigorous organisation so the ability to produce high-quality work at speed is essential.

Candidates should also have the skills to situate research findings in the policy context, the ability to communicate the results to a wide range of stakeholders, and a proven track record for delivering research impact or policy change.

For more information about the role, including how to apply, please visit our website and download the application pack.

Closing date: 08:59 am on Thursday 28 May 2026

First Interviews: 24 – 30 June 2026

Second interviews: 6 – 9 July 2026

Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst employer: RESOLUTION FOUNDATION

The Resolution Foundation is an excellent employer for those passionate about driving economic growth and improving living standards. With a supportive team culture based in Westminster, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for impactful research, and the chance to influence public policy at a critical time for the UK economy. The Foundation prioritises professional development, ensuring that staff can grow their skills while contributing to meaningful change in society.
RESOLUTION FOUNDATION

Contact Detail:

RESOLUTION FOUNDATION Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Principal Economist. Keep it concise but impactful—think of it as your personal brand statement.

✨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 that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst

Economic Analysis
Policy Development
Data Analysis
Statistical Software Proficiency
Excel for Data Manipulation
Research Design
Public Policy Understanding
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Numeracy Skills
Innovative Problem-Solving
Ability to Work Independently
Experience in Applied Economic Research
Understanding of Economic Growth and Productivity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for improving living standards and productivity. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to similar goals in your previous roles. This will help us understand your motivation and fit for the team.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant experience in economic analysis and policy development. We want to see how your skills align with our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and ideas.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.

How to prepare for a job interview at RESOLUTION FOUNDATION

✨Know Your Economics

Brush up on your economic theories and recent trends in productivity. Be ready to discuss how these concepts relate to the role and the Foundation's mission. Showing that you understand the current economic landscape will impress the interviewers.

✨Prepare Real-World Examples

Think of specific instances where you've conducted economic analysis or influenced policy. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help demonstrate your experience and how it aligns with the job requirements.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Data Tools

Since the role involves working with large datasets, make sure you're comfortable discussing your experience with Excel and any statistical software. Be prepared to explain how you've used these tools in past projects to derive insights or inform policy recommendations.

✨Engage with Current Policy Debates

Stay updated on ongoing public policy discussions related to economic growth and living standards. Bring your insights into the conversation during the interview. This shows your passion for the field and your ability to contribute meaningfully to the Foundation's work.

Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst
RESOLUTION FOUNDATION

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