Background to the role

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) is Europe’s leading centre for research on the microeconomics of public policy. It is a politically independent registered educational charity aiming to bridge the gap between academia and public policy. IFS researchers are not only excellent economists, but are able to think creatively about economics and shape their innovative ideas into research programmes with both academic credibility and policy impact. 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. Our major research programmes include those focusing on tax; public finances; benefits; healthcare; pensions; labour markets; local and devolved government; and education. 

The IFS is looking to recruit an exceptional economist to play a leading role in the Institute’s analysis of fiscal policy in the UK. The IFS plays a unique, independent role in the UK fiscal debate, and this is an outstanding (and rare) opportunity to help shape, carry out and communicate impactful research on some of the highest-profile topics in UK economic policy. The successful candidate will contribute to the IFS’ news-defining analysis ahead of and immediately after fiscal events, including through the annual IFS Green Budget. They will also be expected to collaborate with other teams across the Institute in order to develop a broader research agenda.

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with experience working on fiscal issues within the civil service who are attracted by the prospect of applying their skills and knowledge in a politically independent, public-facing research institution.

Responsibilities

This is a permanent position at the heart of the IFS. Working alongside the broader team and with senior IFS management, the successful candidate will:

• Play a central role in producing the IFS’ reaction to and analysis of fiscal events and other fiscal announcements, and contribute to the annual IFS Green Budget, taking responsibility for delivering high-quality and rigorous outputs in a timely and efficient manner;

• Develop a substantive and rigorous programme of research to sit alongside and complement reaction to and analysis of fiscal events. There is flexibility on topic depending on the successful candidate’s interests and experience to date. This could be focused on public finance-related topics (e.g. the design of the fiscal framework; the fiscal impacts of immigration; fiscal risks and sustainability; etc.) but there would also be potential scope to collaborate with IFS teams working on areas like tax, welfare, local government finance, and demography;

• Represent the IFS in broadcast media interviews and other public forums, including but not solely around fiscal events, with an unrelenting commitment to maintaining the IFS’ reputation for impartiality and independence;

• Develop a public profile and reputation for high-quality independent work among the fiscal policy community, and help to maintain strong links with external stakeholders;

• In time, and with appropriate support, progress to being able to take the lead in writing research funding applications;

• Engage in mentorship and development of more junior researchers, typically including formal line management responsibilities;

• Contribute to the wider intellectual life and running of the Institute (e.g. contributing to training programmes for junior IFS researchers and/or helping to run annual recruitment rounds).

Our expectation is that the successful applicant would join as a Senior Research Economist (SRE), but this would depend on skills and experience, with the potential for flexibility for the right candidate.

Person specification

The successful candidate will have:

• An excellent academic background: candidates should hold at least one top-class degree (undergraduate, masters or PhD) in economics;

• Strong and proven expertise in issues relating to the UK public finances and related policy issues;

• First-rate written and oral communication skills, with an ability to explain complex economic ideas in plain language, and a willingness to undertake broadcast media interviews on behalf of the IFS (with appropriate training);

• A firm and proven commitment to political independence, and a desire to shape public policy through evidence-based commentary;

• A proven track record of managing projects and pushing them forward to completion;

• Experience of, exposure to, and enthusiasm towards empirical economic research and analysis;

• A capacity and willingness to manage and develop junior colleagues.

Additional advantageous criteria include:

• A masters degree (or above) in economics;

• A proven publication record on UK fiscal policy and related topics;

• Experience working within the civil service on public finance topics. Knowledge and experience of the fiscal forecasting and/or policy development process would be a particular advantage;

• Expertise on one or more other economic topics relevant to IFS (tax; welfare; labour markets; etc.), which could be developed into a broader research agenda;

• Experience of coming up with, developing and executing policy-relevant research ideas and/or producing academic (or academic-style) economic research papers;

• Experience of disseminating research findings to policymakers and other external non-academic stakeholders;

• Broadcast media experience;

• Experience of applying for external funding and managing relationships with funders;

• Experience of line management and a successful track record of developing others.

Application process

Please prepare a CV and Covering Letter, in the format of a single pdf file, explaining why you are interested in this position and why you would be suitable for the role, with reference to the job description and person specification and detailing the relevant area(s) in which you have expertise. These should be uploaded to the BeApplied platform.  

The application deadline is 23:59 on 4 March 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held in the second half of the week commencing 9 March 2026 and/or the following week. There may be a second round of interviews. 

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Helen Miller, Director (helen_m@ifs.org.uk) to discuss the role further.  

Equal Opportunities   

The success of the IFS depends on its staff and the development of their skills and abilities.  It is the Institute’s policy that equal opportunities exist for all potential and existing employees and contract staff. No discrimination, direct or indirect, is permitted on grounds of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, race, age, religion or ethnic origin, or on any other grounds that are not necessary to ensure that the Institute’s work is carried out effectively and safely.   

This principle applies to recruitment, training, promotion, dismissal, transfer and all other benefits, terms and conditions of employment.   

All members of staff and other employees are made aware of their responsibility to apply this principle conscientiously in all aspects of their work.   

Remuneration   

Salary and job title upon appointment will depend on experience. The salary range for a Research Economist is £43,000 to £66,000. The salary range for a Senior Research Economist is £73,000 to £91,000. The salary range for an Associate Director is £94,000 to £110,000. Senior Research Economists are able to independently instigate, manage and deliver projects, and contribute to funding them. Associate Directors are responsible for leading and funding research agendas in their area of expertise. Salaries are reviewed annually and high performers will progress quickly up the pay scale.   

Benefits  

• 25 days of annual leave, plus Christmas closing (i.e. additional days between Christmas and New Year), and the opportunity to “purchase” more leave (up to a cap)

• Season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme  

• Income life assurance protection plan  

• 7.5% employer pension contributions 

• Wellbeing, work/life and mental health support through an employee wellbeing scheme  

Flexible working   

A commitment to equal opportunities is important in our recruitment and in sustaining an atmosphere in which all staff are happy to work and develop their careers. We ensure a balance at all levels by supporting a flexible family-friendly policy, allowing working arrangements to be adjusted according to the needs of employees' families. We will consider the option of a part-time position. 

While we are an organisation that is primarily based around working together in the office, many staff spend part of the week working from home. One day per week working from home is the norm; two days per week is the maximum permitted for full-time staff.

We will consider the option of a part-time position for the right candidate.

Applicants from outside the UK

Applicants from outside the UK are eligible to apply, but any offer of a post would be subject to the successful application for a work permit from the UK government.