The Social Market Foundation - Britain's leading cross-party think-tank - are looking for a Researcher to join our research team. The successful candidate will carry out original research into one or more of the SMF’s areas of interest.
The Social Market Foundation is a think-tank based at Westminster working to answer the major political and economic challenges of the day. Our work is consulted by senior politicians and officials and reported in the national media.
We are currently looking to appoint a bright and ambitious Researcher to join our research team, focussing on policy and quantitative analysis.
The successful candidate will carry out original research into one or more of the SMF’s areas of interest including public service reform, Britain’s future outside the EU, delivering Net Zero, making consumer markets work for all, and the role of skills and education in delivering a fairer, stronger economy.
About the role
As a researcher at the SMF you will:
- Carry out original research
- Undertake quantitative analysis
- Write (jointly and alone) reports, opinion pieces and articles
- Represent the SMF externally at meetings, events and in the media
- Lead and manage research projects from initial conception through to publication and launch
- Support the communication of our research through social media and other channels
- Be central to developing new policy ideas and thinking at the SMF
Our researchers quickly gain the independence to lead their own projects, author reports, write about them for a wide audience and appear on television and radio.
Salary: £29,000 – £32,000 depending on experience.
What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who can generate striking hypotheses, test them using the available evidence and set out recommendations that shape public policy debates.
As an ideal candidate you will have several of the following characteristics:
- Experience carrying out analysis and research through work and/or through your academic career
- Experience in undertaking quantitative analysis. Experience in handling large datasets using statistical software – such as Stata or R – would be a strong advantage
- Experience of qualitative research – such as undertaking depth interviews.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent planning and organisation skills and an attention to detail
- Ability to work quickly and under pressure when necessary
- A keen interest in UK public policy and politics, and a commitment to the aims and objectives of the SMF
Outlook
The SMF is a cross-party think-tank governed by a board of trustees that includes members of all major political parties, and non-partisan figures. This non-partisan outlook informs all of our work, which reflects our status as a charity committed to public education in public policy. We welcome applications from people of all political perspectives who are happy to put the pursuit of good policy ahead of partisanship and ideology.
How to apply
Please send the following documents to opportunities@smf.co.uk, with a subject line of “Application: researcher”:
- Your CV
- A 1-page letter outlining your interest in the SMF and your suitability for the role.
Application deadline: noon, Thursday 21 July.
Interview dates: Online interviews will be held week commencing Monday 25 July. Candidates for interview will be asked to complete a short written task in advance which will be discussed during the interview.
Process: applications will be considered on a “name-blind” basis where staff involved in assessing application documents will not be aware of the sex or other characteristics of applicants. Please assist us in this process by omitting such identifying details from your CV and letter. Please also omit the names of educational institutions attended (e.g. which university/school you went to) from your CV.
Working pattern: this is a full-time role but the SMF does not operate fixed working hours and encourages flexible approaches to working. If you would like to discuss flexible working patterns or other approaches to help balance work with other commitments, please mention this in your application email.
The SMF has a “hybrid” working model. We believe in the importance of face-to-face interaction and learning at our offices in Westminster, alongside the flexibility that remote working part of the week brings.