Research Assistant - Impact of the New Homes Bonus

Institute for Fiscal Studies
London - United Kingdom
S: £28,000-£32,000 pro rata

Research Assistant – Impact of the New Homes Bonus
Project – 3 Month Fixed Term Contract
Start date: ASAP

About IFS

The Institute for Fiscal Studies is the UK's leading independent microeconomic research institute and an award-winning 'think-tank'. We are independent of political influence and have a strong reputation for producing high-quality, high visibility policy-relevant analysis and commentary.
Our goal at the IFS is to promote well-designed and effective economic and social policies, and we do this by conducting research that helps us better understand how such policies affect individuals, families, businesses and the government's finances. Our research not only has an impact on policy makers, think tanks and practitioners, it has also gained a worldwide reputation for academic rigour. We communicate our research widely, providing independent advice and evidence to policy makers; collaborating with renowned academics on new economic theories and techniques; and disseminating our findings through the press, media, social media and the web. Our remit and expertise are wide, covering important topics such as education, health, public finances, retirement, consumer behaviour, overseas development, tax, inequality and poverty.

The role

The IFS is looking for a short-term, close to Full-Time Research Assistant. The successful candidate will work with IFS and University of Oxford research staff on a project looking at the effects of the New Homes Bonus (NHB) on local authority planning decisions and real estate development outcomes. The project is likely to major impact as it is expected to feed into a review of the NHB this Summer.
What we are looking for
The successful candidate will be a self-motivated and effective individual with a record of exceptional success in their academic study or professional experience of economics. You have the opportunity to develop your data, analytical and research communication skills and have a chance to work with academic leaders and policy experts. The role is close to full-time and are flexible (to some degree) about working days and therefore the role could be combined with study for a PhD.

The Work Will Involve:

• Cleaning, matching/merging and using administrative data on local planning outcomes, housing stocks and housing prices;
• Constructing NHB payments for local authorities based on their type and council tax bands;
• Explaining and presenting the findings internally and working with colleagues to write up the results into a publishable report.

The Successful Candidate Will Have:

• A good, relevant degree;
• Excellent knowledge of Stata and very good knowledge of applied econometrics, preferably with experience of working with large survey and administrative data sets;
• Excellent written and oral communicate skills;
• An interest in public finance, especially tax policy and sub-national public finance.

What you can expect from us

• A negotiable salary of up to £28,000 - £32,000 pro rata
• Training opportunities and a positive environment in which to develop your skills
• The chance to make a real difference, helping us to promote high quality research that has a genuine impact on public debate and government policy
• The support of a small, fun and professional communications team

How to apply

The candidate should be able to start as soon as possible. Due to current Covid-19 situation, you will be expected to work from home. Precise hours and days or work are negotiable and can be somewhat flexible, but we expect it to be close to Full-Time for at least the first month.
Anyone eligible to work in the UK may express an interest in the role by sending a CV and Covering Letter explaining why they are suitable for the position. The covering letter should state what experience you have of using large survey and/or administrative datasets, undertaking econometric analysis using Stata and, if relevant, performing analysis of tax and/or sub-national public finance policy.
Details of two referees that would be able to provide confirmation of your technical skills, experience and suitability for the post (such as academics who have supervised or worked with you).
Please send your CV along with Covering Letter, stating the above, to Jobs@ifs.org.uk, ensuring the subject line of your application says 'Research Assistant – Council Tax Project – 3 Month Fixed Term Contract'.
Deadline for Applications is: Tuesday, 30th June 2020.
Interview details will be emailed to shortlisted candidates. They will take place remotely (most probably via Zoom). Should we feel a presentation/assessment will be needed as part of the recruitment process, this will also be emailed to shortlisted candidates.

IFS commitment to diversity
IFS is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community – a place where we can all be ourselves and work to the best of our ability. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums and support for staff from different backgrounds.
IFS statement on diversity: https://www.ifs.org.uk/jobs/diversity

Job summary