Senior Economist or Senior Research and Policy Analyst

The Resolution Foundation is looking for a thoughtful and committed individual to lead our work on housing. This is an exciting time to join the team as we work to keep living standards at the top of the policy agenda, build on the success of our Economy 2030 Inquiry, and set new priorities under our new CEO.

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 design and deliver an ambitious programme of research and policy work that builds on our existing housing programme focusing on the living standards impacts of housing. The postholder will also work as a flexible member of our research team, getting involved in other areas of the Foundation’s work.

What kind of person are we looking for?

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 working in government, think tanks or applied academic research, along with university-level training in associated disciplines (or equivalent experience gained in another context). A formal training or qualification in economics is not a prerequisite, but a degree of economic literacy and an ability to apply that to the UK housing market, is essential for this job. We are open to candidates who have knowledge of and experience applying either quantitative or qualitative research skills in a social science context, but all candidates will need strong numeracy skills, and will be expected to use Excel for data manipulation, and to work with household survey micro-data using appropriate statistical software.

The successful candidate will have the skills to situate research findings in the policy context, the ability to communicate the results to a wide range of stakeholders (verbally and in writing); and knowledge of issues in housing policy and the way that housing affects the living costs of low-to-middle income households,. A proven track record for delivering research impact or policy change is also essential.

We are a fast-paced organisation, responding to the current economic crisis as well as contributing to crucial longer-term public policy debates so the capability to work at pace on several different projects is essential. The ideal candidate will also be able to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders from academia, government, industry and the broader research community.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Lead the Resolution Foundation’s research programme on housing
• Propose and evaluate new projects and policy ideas as part of the Foundation’s research programme
• Design, manage and lead key projects by conducting quantitative and qualitative research to the highest standards and developing appropriate policy proposals
• Support and inform the Foundation’s research programme by managing a rich network of stakeholders in government, the private sector, the voluntary sector and academia
• Disseminate research projects through written reports, media articles, blogs and presentations
• Communicate the work of the Foundation in print and broadcast media
• Represent the Foundation at our own seminars, conferences and other public events, as well as events run by other organisations
• Monitor and keep the team informed of external policy developments relevant to the Foundation’s research programme
• Any other duties as deemed reasonable by the line manager

About you
Essential requirements:

• A commitment to the Resolution Foundation’s core mission and understanding of public policy issues relating to low-to-middle income households in the UK
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of issues relating to housing policy and the way that housing affects living standards
• The ability to situate analysis in a fast-moving policy context
• Knowledge of either quantitative or qualitative research skills, and experience applying at least one of them in a social science context
• Strong numeracy skills and experience using Excel for data manipulation
• A track record of delivering research impact or policy change
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in a range of formats (such as briefings, reports, blogs, media appearances and presentations)
• Proven project management skills and experience of designing, managing and delivering high-quality projects on time
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work flexibly as part of a small team in a fast-moving environment

Desirable characteristics:

• Master’s degree in a social science subject, or equivalent knowledge gained in another environment
• A well-established network among the UK’s analytical and policy communities, including academics, policy experts and other stakeholders
• Experience working directly with micro data (either from administrative sources or household or firm surveys) using appropriate statistical software
• Line management experience

Closing date: 08:59am on 17 April 2025

First interviews: 7 – 8 May 2025

Second interviews: Week commencing 12 May 2025

For more information about the role and how to apply, please download our application pack.