Principal Research Fellow, Policy Research and Evaluation Team
We are recruiting for a new Principal Research Fellow within our employment policy research team, with a specific focus on issues related to adult working lives which can be influenced and affected by decisions and experiences relating to parenting and caring, returner support models, unemployment, inactivity and health, as well as planning for retirement.
Making a difference through evidence-based practice
As a not-for-profit, the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has been delivering independent, evidence-based research and consulting that makes a difference for fifty years.
We are recruiting to a key role of Principal Research Fellow for employment policy research, with a focus on adult working lives and high quality evaluation. This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of social and economic research and help make a real difference to public policy and employer practice.
About you
The successful candidate will be a highly skilled mixed methods researcher, with a strong understanding of high quality and robust research methods and a track record of using these to design, lead and deliver exploratory research, and formative and summative evaluations to a high standard.
- Experience of designing and leading projects that use conceptual frameworks and/or theory of change, ideally in an applied research environment, and delivering projects to high standards, on time and on budget.
- The skills and expertise to develop new project ideas, identify and secure funding, and successfully bid for commissioned research responding to tenders as well as developing proactive proposals to fill gaps in evidence.
- Extensive experience of successfully applying a range of existing research techniques and experience of developing new areas of research expertise in public employment policy;
- Experience in managing and supporting the professional development of early careers researchers with capability to support their development of research and project management skills.
- A thorough understanding of UK employment and social policy and related research evidence, and an appetite to make a difference to public policy and workplace practice.
- Excellent academic qualifications in social sciences or related field (preferably at Masters level or higher).
Your benefits
IES is based in Brighton. However most of our colleagues work in a hybrid way and we are happy to consider applications from elsewhere in the UK provided you can attend regular team events.
We offer excellent benefits including 27 days holiday per year plus four closure days over Christmas plus bank holidays and a contributory career-average defined-benefit pension scheme (USS).
We support flexible working, and so would be happy to consider applications from candidates seeking to work flexibly or part-time.
To apply, please download the detailed job description and send your CV, covering letter and equal opportunities monitoring form, by midday Monday 26th June 2023, to: careers@employment-studies.co.uk.
At IES, our research and practice are guided by our values and our staff act in accordance with these. Our values centre on: respecting others, acting with integrity, collaboration, curiosity, excellence and compassion.
The Institute for Employment Studies is actively seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce and welcomes applications from all under-represented communities and groups. We are particularly keen to attract ethnic minority candidates given their under-representation within applied social research. We are a Disability Confident Employer and are happy to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the individual requirements of candidates with disabilities.
The Institute for Employment Studies encourages career development at all ages. Join us and work for an employer that values your experience. #AgeFriendlyEmployer
We are committed to supporting our staff at every stage of their career. That’s why we have signed up to the Menopause Workplace Pledge. Find out more about this campaign from the charity Wellbeing of Women.
Legal note
The Institute for Employment Studies:
- is a registered charity (no. 258390)
- seeks to be an equal opportunities employer
- is an Investor in People