Economic Advisor : Transport Economic Research

Department for Transport; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department is searching for an Economic Advisor in Leeds to conduct research and analysis on transport economic impacts. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with senior economists and contribute to key policy decisions through empirical research. The position offers hybrid working options and a competitive salary with extensive benefits including a generous pension scheme and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 28.97%

25 days annual leave

Access to staff discount portal

Excellent career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Master's level understanding of transport economics.
• Experience in delivering economic analysis for policy influence.
• Research experience in transport economics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct empirical research on transport impacts.
• Engage with academia for knowledge exchange.
• Update TAG and improve economic modelling guidance.

Skills

Understanding of transport economics

Ability to communicate complex subjects

Experience with econometric methods

Education

First- or second-class honours degree in economics

Postgraduate degree in a relevant numerate discipline

Job description

phone number removed) Economic Advisor : Transport Economic Research

Department for Transport

Apply before 11 : 55 pm on Sunday 30th November 2025

📍 Location : Birmingham, Leeds, London (Hybrid)

💷 Salary : National : £57,515 London : £62,034 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

🕒 Contract Type : Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

The Transport Economics and Appraisal (TEA) team leads innovative research and analysis to inform transport policy and investment decisions. We ensure rigorous economic appraisal underpins key spending proposals and maintain strong links with academia and industry to advance transport modelling and evaluation methods.

In this role, you will work collaboratively with a G7 economist to develop and apply methods for analysing the wider economic impacts of transport investment. You will design and conduct high-quality research on the productivity, employment, and place‑based impacts of transport interventions, using tools such as econometrics, data science, and GIS. Your work will inform updates to the Department’s Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG), particularly the A2 and M5.3 units, contributing directly to the Government’s Growth Mission and the implementation of the 2025 Green Book review.

This is a high-profile post at the heart of DfT’s analytical community, offering opportunities to influence national investment decisions, develop appraisal guidance, and contribute to evidence‑based policymaking across the transport sector.

Top Responsibilities

• Empirical research on transport impacts, such as : contextual factors driving transformational impact, understanding synergies across multiple interventions in a place, dynamic clustering, and induced investment.
• In‑house analytical work using data sources and tools available across the Department, for example, transport data and the DfT Connectivity Tool.
• Advancing engagement with colleagues in academia through knowledge exchange formal collaborations, the latter may include co‑funded PhD studentships and joint research bid developments.
• TAG ownership and updates of supplementary economic modelling guidance (M5.3) strengthen the methodological content and ensure it clearly links to and complements to guidance in the A2 units.

Benefits

• Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
• 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
• Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
• 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work‑life balance.

About you

To excel in this role, you should have the following experience :

• Working knowledge, strong theoretical understanding (Master’s degree level or higher), or a willingness and demonstrable capability to grapple with key concepts in transport economics and appraisal, covering at least two of : values of time, travel demand modelling, agglomeration economics, urban economics, quasi‑experimental econometric evaluation methods (e.g. difference‑in‑differences, regression discontinuity design or synthetic control), housing economics, choice modelling, supplementary economic modelling (including CGE and LUTI modelling).
• Experience of communicating complex technical subjects to a range of audiences, including internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience working on a project involving transport economics.
• Experience of researching, designing and delivering economic analysis to influence policy decisions.

Essential qualifications :

A first‑ or second‑class honours degree in economics or related field (or equivalent qualification) or a postgraduate degree in a relevant numerate discipline.

Successful candidates will be eligible for GES badging providing they meet the following criteria. This is not mandatory for the role.

• Have a first or upper second‑class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics.
• Have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.

You will be required to provide evidence that you hold any essential qualifications at some point during the recruitment process. If you cannot provide evidence, your application will be withdrawn.

How to Apply

👉 Read the full job description and apply at the CS Jobs site using the link provided.

This vacancy closes at 23 : 55 on Sunday 30th November 2025