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  4. Research Economists
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Each year IFS recruits a number of outstanding economists to join our research teams.

Research economists carry out in-depth economic research and communicate their findings to politicians, journalists, academics and others such as campaigning groups and professional organisations. They work closely with colleagues in a small team as well as with other teams across the Institute; colleagues include policy experts and leading academics from the UK and overseas.

We support our staff in developing their skills, through further study and ad hoc training and by giving them opportunities to get involved with all aspects of research and communication right from the start.

The IFS has a strong record in training excellent social scientists, some of whom build a long career at the IFS while others go on to use the skills they acquired at the Institute to good effect in the civil service, the media and academia.

We welcome applications from:

  • those expecting to graduate in 2021 with an extremely good degree in economics;
  • graduates with an extremely good degree in economics who are expecting to complete an MSc in 2021; or
  • exceptional economists with some experience in research, in academia, public or private sectors.

If you join us straight from your first degree, you will be encouraged to study part-time for a Masters degree with financial support from the Institute.  If you are interested in further study, support is also given towards part-time study for a PhD.

Candidates who are studying for or have completed a PhD are also welcome to apply and will be considered for a Research Economist role. If you consider it relevant, please include information about your doctoral research in the on-line application form; you may include a link to a website where your papers are available.

IFS researchers are not only excellent economists but also able to think creatively about economics and eventually shape their innovative ideas into research programmes. They are keen to use empirical economic analysis to inform policymaking and to pass on their enthusiasm for economics to others, both inside and outside the Institute.

Successful candidates are expected to start work in autumn 2021.