Associate Director

Institute for Fiscal Studies
London - United Kingdom
S: From £77,802 to £88,855

Background to the role

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) aims to promote effective economic and social policies by understanding better their impact on individuals, families, businesses and the government's finances. Our findings are based on rigorous research, comprehensive empirical analysis and in-depth institutional knowledge. We seek to communicate them effectively, to a wide range of audiences, thereby maximising their impact on policy both directly and by informing public debate.

IFS research involves the application of economic concepts and applied economics techniques to issues of practical policy-relevance. IFS researchers have established a strong record in the analysis of public policies in the UK and elsewhere, including developing countries.

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 terms and providing coaching and mentorship.

We are seeking to appoint an Associate Director to join our senior research leadership team. The successful candidate will contribute to the intellectual life of the IFS through leading and publishing outstanding quality research which addresses real world problems using rigorous quantitative methods; engaging in mentorship and development of IFS researchers; contributing substantively to maintaining a vibrant and stimulating research environment within the IFS; and working with the senior management team to ensure the smooth running of the organisation.

A senior research position at IFS offers the opportunity to work with our top core research team, collaborate with our extensive network of world class academics, as well as have great access to data and expertise in application of cutting-edge research methods, in an effective and respected organisation. The successful candidate will work closely with Deputy Research Directors Monica Costa Dias and Sonya Krutikova, as well as academics heading up our senior research team including James Banks, Richard Blundell, Eric French, Rachel Griffith, Fabien Postel-Vinay, and Imran Rasul.

Responsibilities

Research
• Leading a substantive and academically rigorous original research into policy relevant questions which help understand the impacts of social and economic policy on individuals, families, businesses and the government's finances.
• 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 potentially 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 IFS 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 and Administration
• Contributing to the strategic leadership and functioning of IFS as part of the Senior 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

Essential
• 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
• Very good postgraduate qualification in Economics
• Expertise and research interests in areas that are relevant for the IFS research agenda
• A track record of publication in leading academic journals
• 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 researchers
• Evidence of or commitment to working as part of a team
• 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
• 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 contributing to leadership activities and advancement of organisational priorities


Application process
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact IFS Deputy Research Directors, Sonya Krutikova (sonya_k@ifs.org.uk) and Monica Costa Dias (monica_d@ifs.org.uk) and IFS director Paul Johnson (paul_j@ifs.org.uk).

Please send your CV and covering letter, explaining why you would be suitable for the role, with reference to the job description and person specification. These should be emailed to jobs@ifs.org.uk with the subject title Associate Director.

Application deadline: 2nd June 2022

Equal Opportunities

IFS is striving to become an equal opportunities employer. Its success depends on its staff and other employees 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 £77,802 to £88,855; salary on appointment will depend on experience. Salaries are reviewed annually and progress will depend on performance.

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.

For exceptional candidates we will consider the option of a part-time 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.

Job summary