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Ecorys is an international world-class research-based consultancy that helps its clients make a positive impact on society. We are leaders in research and evaluation, project management and communications providing the evidence and advice that our clients need to tackle the issues that affect communities around the world. Our 600 staff are justifiably proud of our innovative and thought-provoking contributions to policy and programme delivery. We are passionate about our environmental and social impact, donating profits to the Charity of the Year, volunteering days, and are committed to being carbon neutral by 2030.
The role
Our Policy and Research team is currently looking for emerging research talent to join our team of 100+ research and evaluation specialists delivering impactful work across a variety of European clients.
For our growing EU market, we are looking for Research Assistants to support our delivery of work principally to different Directorate-Generals of the European Commission, including qualitative and quantitative research studies, evaluations, impact assessments, supporting expert groups and networks, and monitoring.
We are particularly looking for junior researchers with an interest and knowledge of EU social policy (e.g., Employment, Social Inclusion, Education, Youth, Training, Digital, Equalities, Migration, Culture, Research and Innovation) and evaluation of communications, but additional expertise in other EU policy areas (e.g. Green Transition, Economic policy, and Justice) would be a bonus.
As a Research Assistant, you will develop and apply your quantitative and qualitative research skills, including desk-based research, literature reviews, survey design and implementation, in-depth interviewing, focus groups, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. You will also become familiar with research analysis software such as Excel, NVivo, SPSS, Stata and/or R.
As you develop in the role, you will have the opportunity to grow your client- facing and business development skills by contributing to work- winning activities. You may be able to develop a specialisation in qualitative or quantitative methodologies. There is also the prospect for European travel whilst undertaking your research activities.
Over the last few years, our EU Research Assistants have been exposed to a broad range of projects for the European Commission, including carrying out pan-European research studies in the field of education, evaluating EU-level employment policies, supporting the delivery of EU events and expert groups and understanding opportunities and challenges linked to the digital and green transitions. As well as embedding technical learning and development, this has enabled and supported a progression path within Ecorys.
In 2024 we are looking for emerging research talent to work in our UK offices (London, Birmingham and Leeds). We will be holding selection events for recruitment in February 2024.
Your continued development will be supported by career development planning, training, mentoring and regular reviews, and you will be supported by a dedicated Line Manager and a buddy.
What we will need from you
- Ideally you will have a good Undergraduate or a Master’s Degree (including mid-studies or currently applying for) in a social science, social research, international development, geography, statistics, maths or economics, research methods and related subjects or equivalent work experience. An EU policy focus in your academic career would be useful.
- Able to demonstrate a genuine interest in the businesses’ key social and economic policy areas.
- Experience of researching or evaluating to produce report results in a variety of written and verbal styles.
- To be able to manage project delivery within tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience of undertaking qualitative research, including conducting in depth interviews face to face or by phone, and note-taking or moderating of focus groups.
- Experience of undertaking quantitative research including designing, analysing and writing up findings from survey data, and other data sets.
- Excellent English language skills both verbal and written are essential. Other language capabilities are desirable.
- Take ownership of problems and escalate in a timely manner and to be receptive to change and be prepared to try new things out.
- To be able to manage own tasks and to prioritise own workload to meet team needs.
- To demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative skills.
- To become familiar with the research analysis software Excel, SPSS / Stata and or R and assist other staff in producing tables and cross tabulations of survey data.
We offer a highly competitive benefits package including variable pay (bonus), share scheme and buying and selling annual leave.
Please apply with your CV and cover letter outlining clearly your preferred location of work by 5pm on Friday 5th January 2024, early applications are encouraged and reviewed daily.
