Principal Economist / Research and Policy Analyst

The Resolution Foundation is looking for a motivated and experienced individual to drive the production of high quality, innovative economic analysis and the development of associated policy recommendations with a specific focus on economic growth and productivity.

This is an exciting time to join our team as we seek to turn around the stagnant living standards of the last twenty years through influencing both the policies that can boost economic growth, and those that affect families’ living standards directly.

What does the role involve?

Working at the heart of the Foundation’s research and policy team and in collaboration with external partners, the post holder will play a key role in designing and delivering an ambitious programme of research and policy work focused on economic growth. This will include informing and influencing public debates on the UK’s productivity performance and growth potential; analysis using and linking large business datasets and on the relationship between growth, living standards and inequality; and policy work on key growth levers such as AI and technological diffusion, industrial strategy, public and private investment and regulation.

Applicants will contribute to our high-profile work in the run-up to and immediately after fiscal events, produce reactive work in response to emerging public policy debates, and propose and undertake longer-term research and policy work relating to the growth and productivity in the UK. Working flexibly as a member of our research team, the successful candidate will also get involved in other areas of the Foundation’s work.

This is a permanent role based at our Westminster office. Applications for full-time or part-time hours are welcome, with a minimum of three days a week required.

What kind of person are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with a passion for improving living standards and productivity, and an ability to develop innovative policy solutions backed by rigorous research. The successful candidate will be one who fits into our supportive team culture and will collaborate effectively with others, internally and externally.

The role would suit an individual with the ability to conduct economic and policy analysis independently at an advanced level. This would be consistent with the skills obtained from significant experience (usually over 7 years) working in public policy or applied economic research, be that in government, think tanks, private sector or academia.

The individual will have university-level training in economics or equivalent experience gained in another context. Candidates will need strong numeracy skills, the ability to use Excel for data manipulation, and the ability to work with household- and firm-level microdata using appropriate statistical software. We are a topical and rigorous organisation so the ability to produce high-quality work at speed is essential.

Candidates should also have the skills to situate research findings in the policy context, the ability to communicate the results to a wide range of stakeholders, and a proven track record for delivering research impact or policy change.

For more information about the role, including how to apply, please download the application pack.

Closing date: 08:59 am on Thursday 28 May 2026

First Interviews: 24 – 30 June 2026

Second interviews: 6 – 9 July 2026