Research Officers

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 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 HR and employer practices. Ideally you’ll have:

■   Evidence of significant understanding and interest in labour markets, employment and/ or HR issues

■   A good understanding of research methods – with current vacancies for a research economist/data scientist, a researcher focused on HR and employer research, and a researcher on education and employment policy matters.

■   Relevant education –

  • EITHER a higher degree in a social science discipline
  • OR an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in an applied social science discipline with relevant work experience demonstrating the core competences of the role.

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. 

Full details of the role and an application form, can be found at the bottom of this page.  

Application closing date: Wednesday 16 November 2022, midday

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 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.

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