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; part-time applications welcome.
- 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 60000 - 80000 £ 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.
Closing date: 08:59 am on Thursday 28 May 2026
Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst employer: Resolutionfoundation
The Resolution Foundation is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Westminster where passionate individuals can contribute to meaningful economic research and policy development. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for collaboration with external partners and involvement in high-profile projects that aim to improve living standards across the UK. Our supportive team culture encourages innovation and rigorous analysis, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a real impact in public policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to showcase your skills and experience. Bring along examples of your work or even create a portfolio that highlights your best projects. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at the Resolution Foundation!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is key! Research the company, understand their goals, and think about how your background aligns with their needs. We love candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly and show genuine interest in improving living standards and productivity.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference, so make sure you put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in economic analysis and policy development. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to improve living standards and productivity.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for economic growth and improving living standards shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who shares our passion, so don’t hold back on expressing why this role excites you!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Be sure to detail your previous work in public policy or applied economic research. We value significant experience, so include specific examples of projects where you've made an impact, especially those related to productivity and economic growth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us, and you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Resolutionfoundation
✨Know Your Economics
Brush up on your economic theories and recent trends, especially those related to productivity and living standards. Be prepared to discuss how these concepts apply to the role and the Foundation's mission.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of your previous work where you conducted economic analysis or policy recommendations. Highlight your experience with data manipulation and statistical software, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Policy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current public policy debates in the UK, particularly those affecting economic growth. Being able to discuss these topics intelligently will demonstrate your engagement and readiness to contribute.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex economic concepts in simple terms. The ability to communicate findings to a diverse audience is key, so think about how you can make your insights accessible and impactful.
