Research Officer
Would you like to be at the forefront of social research? Help influence government policy and employer practice, making the UK a better place to live, study and work? Join a vibrant, Brighton-based team, with clear opportunities for progression and generous annual leave entitlements?
Making a difference through social research
As a not-for-profit, the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has been delivering independent, evidence-based research that makes a difference for over fifty years.
From helping major employers to stop the gender pay gap in its tracks, to assisting government departments to understand what’s working in major initiatives like the ‘Plan for Jobs’, IES delivers a wide programme of research on issues that matter. As a researcher, every day is different, and we’ll support you to develop your own area of research interest.
About you
We are looking for bright, inquisitive researchers who are passionate about improving employment and education policy and/or HR and employer practices. Ideally you’ll have:
- Evidence of significant understanding and interest in labour markets, employment policy and practice and/ or HR issues
- A good understanding of research methods – including high-quality qualitative approaches, statistics, econometrics and/or data science
Relevant education
- EITHER a higher degree in a social science discipline, or equivalent qualification
- OR an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in an applied social science discipline with work experience demonstrating the core competences of the role
- OR qualifications and/ or research experience at a level equivalent to the above.
Your benefits
IES is based in Brighton. 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 also can offer you career progression and development opportunities and support you to disseminate your research, build your external reputation and expand your knowledge through working with our expert staff. For a full range of IES benefits please refer to the job description at the bottom of the page.
How to apply
Please apply using a CV, detailing your education and employment history, and include a covering letter, using the template at the bottom of this page. Your letter should set out your interest in the role and suitability for it, along with the areas of IES work which interest you most and why. Please use the STAR framework (situation, task, action, result), to include details of your experience in:
- using quantitative AND/OR qualitative research methods AND/OR advanced quantitative AND/OR qualitative analytic techniques. Please indicate the statistical or analytical tests you applied and what these showed. (c250 words)
- leading evidence or literature reviews, and of reporting and communicating research with others. (c250 words)
- managing workload, prioritising tasks and working towards multiple deadlines. (c250 words)
Please also complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which can be downloaded at the bottom of the page.
Please return your CV, covering letter and equal opportunities form to: careers@employment-studies.co.uk or post to Careers, IES, City Gate, 185 Dyke Road, Brighton BN3 1TL (Telephone: 01273 763456)
Application closing date: Monday 18th March 2024.
If you wish to have an informal discussion about this post prior to submitting your application please contact Helena Tulley, HR Generalist on helena.tulley@employment-studies.co.uk. Helena can also put you in touch with one of our researchers to discuss your interest in the role.
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 candidates from ethnic minority groups 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.
Because of the nature of our work, appointments will be subject to a report from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or Disclosure Scotland.
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