IFS is Europe’s leading centre for microeconomic research and is an authoritative, independent commentator on a wide range of policy issues, aiming to bridge the gap between academia and the wider public.
The Director is Helen Miller and the Research Director is Imran Rasul. Research at IFS is led by a large number of Co-Directors including James Banks, Richard Blundell, Aureo de Paula, Eric French, Francois Gerard, Rachel Griffith, Attila Lindner, and Fabien Postel-Vinay.
We are recruiting a Research Economist to join the IFS justice research team. The team’s work covers policing, courts, prisons and the wider justice system.
Candidates should have an excellent academic background, a track record of producing high-quality economic research on crime and justice, and commitment to working on the UK context. First-rate communication skills and a capacity and willingness to manage and develop junior colleagues are essential. Experience of working with large administrative datasets, achieving policy impact through research, or successfully bidding for external funding would be an additional asset.
The successful candidate will be expected to build their research agenda at IFS, lead projects aimed at publishing in top economics journals, raise funding, and influence policymaking through direct engagement with policymakers and the media. They will also be expected to mentor and develop more junior researchers, often including formal line management responsibilities, and contribute to the wider intellectual life and running of the institute.
This is a permanent position with a remit to help shape, carry out and communicate empirical research. IFS promotes from within, and the successful candidate would have scope for promotion and to develop a long-term career at IFS. There will be considerable scope to shape future research on crime and justice and to work on new initiatives to communicate our work and shape policy debates.
We welcome applications from individuals who have completed their PhD or students expecting to complete a PhD in 2027.
Application process
Applications should be submitted via EconJobMarket. We aim to interview shortlisted candidates at the European Job Market, which will be held virtually from 14th to 17th December 2026. Subsequent fly-outs will be arranged in January 2027 for shortlisted candidates.
If you have any queries, please email jobs@ifs.org.uk.
Additional Information
*Salary: The salary information advertised reflects 2026 rates; these will be uplifted from April 2027 in line with inflation and cost-of-living adjustments, meaning the actual salary on appointment will be higher than the figure shown.
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Job market paper
- Video presentation of job market paper (optional)
- Additional paper (optional)
- Other material (in one file) (optional)
- Additional paper (optional)
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