Job description

We are seeking two Research Associates to join the Experimental Government Team (XGT), within the Policy Institute. The Policy Institute addresses complex policy and practice challenges with rigorous research, academic expertise and analysis focused on improving outcomes.  

XGT focuses on several areas of evidence-based policy, including; the use of behavioural science to improve outcomes; understanding and increasing social mobility and reducing inequality; conducting ground-breaking research trials that bring new methods to bear on policy problems, and increasing the capacity of partner organisations to find, create, and use evidence.  

This role is an exciting opportunity to work with a new team in a fast-paced research environment, to deliver research projects with real-world impacts. We seek to appoint a Research Associate to contribute to a range of projects across our portfolio of projects. 

Current projects include a broad ranging study on how to reduce homelessness among young people; cash transfers for young people leaving care; projects to increase university attendance; and many others. 

The Research Associates will have the opportunity to develop their own portfolio of evaluation projects in the future, with the support of the Director and colleagues. They will have expertise or interest in social policy issues, particularly the subfields listed above, be a skilled project manager, and a strong written and verbal communicator with a demonstrated commitment to evidence-based policy and conducting research with real world impacts. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 2 years.  

This is a full-time post, but part time arrangements may be considered.

Key responsibilities 

• Managing research strands within a project, including contributing to the establishment and maintenance of the project plan, liaising with funders and other partners, developing the research approach, monitoring for implementation and safeguarding risks, delivering and analysing interviews and focus groups, ensuring the research is delivered on time and to the required standard, and liaising as required with other King’s functions (Post-Award, Information Security, Research Ethics) to ensure that King’s processes and procedures are adhered to. 
• Contributing to the development of XGT’s portfolio of projects, by monitoring opportunities and bidding for competitive tenders that are appropriate and winnable, leading on the bid development process where required, and providing input to bids and proposals. 
• Develop strong relationships within government and across the wider policy research landscape, including in what works centres. 
• Continuously investing in strengthening the research skills of the team, and knowledge of literature in relevant policy domains.  
• Providing support and guidance to colleagues on the safeguarding of vulnerable research participants, in line with King’s policies and procedures, research ethics requirements, and best practice. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria 

1.       Master’s degree in a relevant field (such as social policy, psychology or economics), or equivalent experience 

2.       PhD or equivalent experience 

3.       Experience of a relevant policy domain (e.g., social care, education, higher education, homelessness, wellbeing research) as researcher or practitioner 

4.       Experience, training or interest in the use of behavioural science 

5.       Excellent writing and communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with funders, delivery partners and collaborators, both in person and in writing 

6.       Ability to work on own initiative and develop and implement plans for complex projects with many moving parts 

7.       Ability to work flexibly on emerging priorities, across multiple projects, to tight deadlines 

Desirable criteria 

1.       Motivation to engage actively and/or experience with opportunities for funding, including preparing competitive or sole supplier bids and working with colleagues and (prospective) funders to land projects 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are core values at the Policy Institute. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered and comfortable in the workplace.