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Economist

NPL Economics logo

NPL
London - United Kingdom
S: Competitive and Benefits

About the Role

Whether you're talking about length, mass, time, temperature, electric current, amount or the brightness of light, the National Physical Laboratory sets the standards by which these things are all measured. Yet who measures the impact our work has on the economy? As our Economist, you will. Thanks to your analysis, we're able to show the wide-reaching effect our work has on the world.

We need to understand how our work shapes the economy. On one hand, it's hugely motivational for us to see the difference we're making. Yet it's also an extremely valuable way of garnering support for investments. Working within the Analysis and Evaluation team, you'll help develop, implement and report on the economic analyses, using econometrics and other methods, to evaluate our impact. You'll then need to write these findings up in a compelling format that is appropriate to whichever stakeholder it's aimed at. Working with the broader team, you'll also help to develop new economic evaluation methodologies and adapt existing ones to the needs of the analysis being undertaken. In addition, you'll take ownership of your own personal development so that you keep up-to-date with the latest economic impact methodologies, so that we're always ahead of the curve.

An economic analyst is required to help us capture and evaluate the performance and impact of NPL and its partners. You will need to use economic principles to identify plausible mechanisms through which impact is generated. Furthermore, statistical analysis will be used to test these ideas and quantify the impact of an activity. This information will be used to help policy makers make more informed investment decisions and maximise the impact NPL has on the UK economy.

About You

You will need to have studied a degree in economics and have an interest in exploring the role that public institutions play in supporting innovation and economic growth. We particularly welcome applications from candidates with the following combination of educational background, professional experience, and personal interest:

• You will be an economist with a good understanding of mathematical economics, microeconomic theory, and applied econometrics. Ideally, you will also have an interest in areas, such as, environmental economics or health economics.
• You will have some relevant experience of applying economic analysis in the context of a government department or a public sector institution. Ideally, you will have had experience of preparing businesses cases that meet the requirements of HMT's Green Book, as well as, using econometric methods for programme evaluation.
• You don't specifically need a science degree, but it would be helpful to have a strong interest in scientific and technological developments. Hence, having an A-level in one of the sciences (e.g. Physics) would strengthen the application.
• You will need very strong analytical skills and mathematical capabilities to apply statistical methodologies for programme evaluation and to build economic credible models. Ideally, you will have a strong familiarity with the following:

• Mathematical methods for economists and social scientists. (This includes: multivariable calculus; optimisation techniques; game theory; vectors and matrices; and statistical analysis.)
• Applying econometric methods to programme evaluation. (This includes: use of propensity score matching to construct a matched control group; estimating treatment effects using the technique of difference-in-differences; techniques for the analysis of panel data, including dynamic panel data models; application of instrumental variables and selection models.)
• Capturing the essential features of complex economic phenomena in simplified mathematical models.

Ideal candidates will combine the background and experience listed above with the following skills and attributes:

• Communication Skills - You will need to be able to write and speak clearly, to communicate complex ideas to non-specialist. Moreover, it's important to be able to digest a substantial technical report done by other researchers, and then to summarise its key findings and assumptions in a concise and accessible style.
• Critical Thinking - You will need to be able to interpret the output of data analysis or regression estimates, and us it to reach clear conclusions. That is, it's important to be able to focus in on the key information and use it to answer the principal research question. Above all, you will need to be able to explain what the statistical analysis implies about the underlying economic behaviour under consideration or the extent to which certain outcomes can be attributed to a programme.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

Job summary

Employer:

NPL

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Sector:

Economist

Salary:

Competitive and Benefits

Job Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full-Time

Posted:

12th April 2021

Apply By:

9th May 2021

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