We are recruiting for a Senior Research Advisor (SRA) with strong quantitative skills in our Economic Policy team. The team’s work focuses on the areas of Employment & Equalities, Financial Behaviour & Gambling Harms, and Consumers & Business.
Please note, the ability to code using R is an essential criteria for this job role.
As an SRA, you will:
* Advise on quantitative research across the Economic Policy team and the wider organisation. This covers experimental and quasi-experimental designs for both exploratory and evaluation research; expertise necessary to advise on mixed-methods research is a plus. You will supervise the work of junior staff, advise on research design, provide quality assurance of research designs and analysis and bring in other research colleagues as needed for research outside your area of expertise;
* Lead projects across the areas covered by the Economic Policy team. You will be responsible for developing the strategic direction of the project in collaboration with the Principal Advisor/ Director overseeing the project, planning the work, supervising tasks, managing the quality of key outputs, resourcing the project, keeping it to time and budget, and engaging with our clients and project partners. You will be able to draw on technical specialists in areas that you have less expertise in (e.g. applying behavioural science evidence);
* Lead on securing new partnerships and business opportunities for the team, including scoping and developing new areas of work to deliver social impact, responding to competitive ITTs, building good relationships with clients and pitching new proposals, with a focus on projects with a quantitative or mixed-methods focus;
* Manage 2-3 junior staff, including overseeing their work allocation and supporting their professional development;
* Engage directly with senior stakeholders in government, private sector and the third sector, offering thoughtful and evidence-based advice, and developing opportunities to collaborate on shared objectives;
* Collaborate with other senior researchers across BIT to improve research standards and support research functions across the organisation.
Although the role focuses on Economic Policy, we expect all of our staff to work flexibly across the organisation and would expect this role to lend both project and review support to other teams.
Examples of recent projects that an SRA might lead or advise on include:
* A field experiment evaluating the impact of a ‘double nudge’ to increase flexible working.
What makes a great Senior Research Advisor at BIT?
We are looking for people who understand what we do, share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with the experience and skills across the areas listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas:
* Strong theoretical foundations and practical experience delivering quantitative research projects: You have a strong understanding of quantitative research approaches and their applications, as well as the pragmatism required to generate high-quality evidence at speed in policy settings. This covers both exploratory analysis and evaluations. Expertise in statistical analysis and causal inference is essential; experience in mixed-methods research is a plus. You have substantial previous research experience and academic training at postgraduate level.
* A good understanding of qualitative research: You have a general understanding of the types of questions qualitative and quantitative approaches can answer, the advantages and disadvantages of both and how they can be combined effectively.
* An interest in behavioural science: A deep understanding of human behaviour is at the core of our work. You have an interest in learning on the job to be able to effectively design quantitative/ mixed-methods research that answers behavioural questions.
* Stakeholder and client management skills: You can build solid and effective relationships with partners, stakeholders, and funders to navigate tricky situations and achieve good outcomes. You communicate clearly and convincingly, explaining complex topics in simple terms and adapting your style to the audience. You can lead a workshop or presentation and write clearly and concisely.
* Planning and delivering projects and programmes: You can develop a vision for new work to pitch to prospective clients and turn these high-level ideas into compelling proposals. Once confirmed, you are able to develop a project plan, identify project risks and run a project team that delivers high quality work. You are able to fit together a jigsaw of resources and skills to meet targets and deadlines and to provide exceptional results as well as value for money.
* Managing and developing yourself and others: You can nurture talent and energise people to perform at their best. You care about the success, development and wellbeing of others and can have meaningful (and sometimes challenging) conversations. You understand that complex projects can only be delivered by effective teams, and you know how to build and maintain such teams at the highest levels. You understand the importance of self-awareness and strive to learn and grow.
Who are we and what can we offer you?
BIT is the world leader in applying behavioural science to public policy challenges in order to strengthen communities and improve lives.
We design and rigorously test new ideas across a range of areas such as health, crime and education, to establish what works and what doesn’t. We have helped Tuberculosis patients take their medicine; reduced police susceptibility to cyberattacks; and helped organisations close their gender pay gap.
BIT really is a great place to work:
* Generous pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
* A flexible benefit pot of £1,100 to spend on our flexible benefits programme which currently includes things like the ability to buy extra annual leave at the start of the year, gym membership, cycle to work scheme etc or just take as cash.
* 25 days of annual leave (in addition to public holidays) for full-time employees, rising to 27 days after 2 years continuous service
* We offer enhanced parental leave payments
* We encourage flexible working and have a culture which enables this; for example flexible start and finish times and an IT set up which allows for easy working from home options
* We have regular team lunches with inspirational guest speakers.
* We’re a social bunch and have a variety of interest groups including Film Club, BIT Kids for our parents & 5-a-side team to name a few.
* We have a great office, which has a fabulous roof terrace overlooking the Thames river, an amazing coffee machine and fridges stocked full of soft drinks!
Offices UK - Manchester UK - London Contract type Permanent: Available on a full-time (39 hours) or part-time basis (minimum 4 days per week). Flexible working options include: flexible start and finish times, some home working and compressed hours.
Deadline 26th Jan 2025
Salary Starting from £56,250 (London) and £50,625 (Manchester) per annum FTE (depending on experience).
Apply now
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