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 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 an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in an applied social science discipline with relevant work experience demonstrating the core competences of the role.
We anticipate that we will have more than one vacancy available across our key specialisms and they are likely to start from Autumn 2023. Please note these roles would not suit someone who is continuing in full-time study.
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 more information and how to apply, please download the job description at the bottom of this page.
Please apply on a standard IES application form. CVs will not be considered. You can download an application form at the bottom of this page.
Please also complete an Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, which can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
Please return the two completed forms 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: Wednesday 12 July 2023, 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.
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