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 the wider public. 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. 

The IFS is looking to recruit an outstanding Associate Director to lead a programme of research on UK tax policy and to join our management team.  

Associate Directors lead and publish outstanding quality research which addresses real world problems using cutting edge quantitative methods; develop rigorous and policy-relevant research ideas and take the lead in writing research funding applications; effectively present and disseminate research to academic and non-academic audiences; contribute substantively to maintaining a vibrant and stimulating research environment within the IFS; work with the senior management team to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. IFS places significant emphasis on the training of new generations of highly skilled economic researchers who go on into top positions in academia, public policy and the media. Senior staff at IFS are expected to invest significant effort into the development of IFS researchers through both leading research teams and providing coaching and mentorship. Leading a research team typically includes formal line management responsibilities.   

Associate Directors develop a personal profile in their area of expertise, with a reputation for excellent work among academic and policy communities. 

A senior research position at IFS offers the opportunity to work with our core research team, collaborate with our extensive network of world class academics, as well as have great access to data and expertise in the application of cutting-edge research methods, in an effective and respected organisation.  

Responsibilities 

Research 

• Leading a substantive and academically rigorous research programme on UK tax policy relevant questions. 

• Publishing work of outstanding quality and significance within social science.  

• Developing and carrying forward a coherent research strategy which achieves public recognition and a sustained national and international impact. And in doing so, providing junior researchers at IFS with opportunities to participate in high quality research which develops their skills and builds their credentials. 

• Contributing to, and leading, major peer reviewed funding bids for research programmes in own and related areas.  

• Contributing to the development and implementation of the wider IFS research strategy. 

• Helping maintain strong links with the IFS’s current external network of academic associates and build new collaborations. 

• Providing advice to government bodies and engaging with external institutions, organisations and the wider community to support IFS research and its other strategic objectives.  

Training & Mentorship 

• Providing high quality mentorship and training to junior researchers at IFS through collaboration on research projects. 

• Providing support, coaching, mentorship and advice to the wider body of researchers as and when required on their research, funding proposals, seminar presentations, career aspirations etc.  

Contribute to the development and implementation of training programs offered to IFS researchers.  

Management  

• Contributing to the strategic leadership and functioning of IFS as part of the management team.  

• Working with the senior management team to ensure that IFS maintains a strong and secure funding position. 

• Maintain positive relationships with existing funders and build links with new ones.   

• Participating in annual recruitment to fill permanent IFS researcher and Post-Doctoral Fellowship positions. 

Assuming line management responsibility for junior researchers if appropriate 

Person Specification 

Successful candidates will have an excellent academic background. Candidates should   hold at least one top-class degree (undergraduate, masters or PhD) in economics. For this role we strongly prefer candidates with at least an MSc or other post-graduate economics qualification. 

Successful candidates will also have: 

• Expertise in the policy context and existing academic research related to an area(s) of tax policy that is relevant to the UK context.  

• A commitment to the IFS ethos of carrying out excellent research to inform public policy collaboratively with colleagues as part of a wider research team. 

• A commitment to political independence and to shaping public policy through evidence-based comment. 

• A track record of research on tax policy issues. 

• A well-developed and viable strategy for future research of the highest quality that has the potential to have significant policy impact and result in publication in top academic journals. 

• Experience in providing training, mentoring and/or advice to junior researchers. 

• Well-developed writing skills, the ability to explain complex economic ideas in plain language, and verbal communication and presentation skills. 

• Track record of good citizenship within own institution and the wider academic and non-academic stakeholder communities. 

Desirable 

• PhD in Economics. 

• A track record of publication in leading academic journals. 

• Evidence of substantive policy impact through research. 

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

• Experience in successfully bidding for external funding 

• Experience of leading and managing research groups/teams. 

• Track record or evidence of ability to contribute to leadership activities and advancement of organisational priorities. 

Application process  

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

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

• Application deadline: 13th June 2025 

• Interviews will be held in late June. There may be a second round of interviews. 

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  

The salary range for an Associate Director is £93,000 to £109,000; salary on appointment will depend on experience. Salaries are reviewed annually and progress will depend on performance.  

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 if wanted. 

• 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.  For the right candidate, we would consider an arrangement that included a part-time buyout from a university position.  

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.