The post will suit someone looking for a junior research and policy role, who is passionate about social change, enthusiastic about Demos’ mission, able to work across multiple projects, and wants to work with and support the development of a collaborative and dynamic team. We are looking for people with an interest in research and policy and ideally some practical experience of research design and delivery. This experience can be either in an academic or professional setting - even if you haven’t worked in a think tank before, we would still be interested in hearing from you. A positive, can-do attitude and enthusiasm for learning about different topical policy areas is also essential. We encourage you to apply if this sounds like you.

The role will suit someone interested to:

• Carry out high-quality research (e.g. literature reviews, surveys, focus groups etc.) and develop policy ideas that can influence policy makers in Whitehall, Westminster and beyond.

• Collaborate with partners to amplify our research findings and advocate for a stronger democracy. 

• Writing reports, briefings and articles that communicate policy ideas clearly and to a wide audience. 

• Be part of a welcoming, creative community of thinkers – both at Demos and among the many other organisations we work closely with. 

You’ll be involved in the delivery of research and design of research materials, using qualitative and quantitative methods to undertake original research to inform evidence-based policy recommendations. You will be looking for opportunities to develop your project management skills. 

You’ll write high-quality research reports, blogs, and other outputs for a range of audiences, and work with our External Affairs team to communicate our research findings clearly, compellingly and creatively. 

You’ll help develop Demos’ networks with different stakeholder groups, including policymakers, industry, academic, media and civil society. You will be keen to identify fundraising opportunities and support writing proposals. 

You’ll work within our core research and policy team, working on a range of projects related to our pillars:

• Inclusive Economy - that helps people to participate in our economy and spreads prosperity throughout our communities

• Relational public services - that empower communities, encourage prevention and improve outcomes

• A trusted political system - that enables participation by citizens and improves the policy making process

Desired experience

• Interested in politics and policy at a national level

• Demonstrable professional experience in a research and/or public policy role and setting 

• Conducting primary research, including research design (discussion guides, surveys etc.) and moderation 

• Conducting secondary research, including literature reviews and evidence reviews

• Playing a critical role in project delivery and providing project management support 

• Supporting fundraising efforts, including drafting grant applications and/or project proposals 

• Building networks and collaborating with external partners 

Skills 

• Enthusiastic, with a can-do attitude and ability to juggle priorities in a dynamic workplace

• Keen to learn and take up opportunities for professional development

• Knowledge and understanding of research design, methods and ethics 

• Ability to use, analyse and interpret data

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills: comfortable writing for a range of audiences, presenting complex information in easy-to-understand and engaging formats 

• An interest in how policymaking works, and how change happens 

• Demonstrable interest and passion for public policy making and social change, at the community, local, national or international level, and interest in the future of technology and the political questions it raises.