Economist

Public Sector Resourcing; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department is seeking an Economist for a contract position in London. The role involves analyzing longitudinal panel survey data and applying econometric techniques to influence key government policies. Candidates should have a solid foundation in economic theory, alongside proficiency in econometric software such as Stata, R, or Python. This position encourages applicants with disabilities and veterans, ensuring an inclusive hiring process. The contract is based in London with a salary reflecting gross payment per day.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in panel data econometrics, causal inference, and time-series modelling.
• Ability to test, interpret, and communicate econometric models effectively.
• Experience writing accessible reports for publication.

Responsibilities

• Analyse longitudinal panel survey data using regression techniques.
• Critique and validate econometric models, ensuring robustness.
• Translate complex analytical outputs into clear insights.

Skills

Panel data econometrics

Causal inference

Econometric software proficiency

Fixed-effects regression analysis

Education

Strong grounding in economic theory

Tools

Stata

R

Python

Job description

On behalf of DSIT, we are looking for an Economist (Inside IR35) for a 3 month contract based in London 2-3 days per week

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) brings together the relevant parts of the former Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the former Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The responsibilities for the DSIT are:

• Positioning the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement.
• Driving innovations that change lives and sustain economic growth.
• Delivering talent programmes, physical and digital infrastructure, and regulation to support our economy, security, and public services.
• R&D funding.

DSIT offers stimulating, challenging, and engaging work that makes a difference and that has a direct impact on the quality of people's lives, as well as the opportunity to progress your career.

The Data Policy Analysis Team is a multi-disciplinary analytical team providing cutting-edge research and insights to the Digital and Data Policy Directorate. Our work informs key government priorities, including boosting growth and productivity across the UK economy.

We are currently delivering a landmark study on business data use and productivity, combining macro and microeconomic modelling with longitudinal survey panel data. This research is shaping discussions and decisions across Whitehall.

We are seeking an Economist to lead the microeconomic analysis of our Wave 2 survey panel data. This role offers an exciting opportunity to apply advanced econometric techniques to real-world policy challenges, working alongside experienced analysts and policy professionals.

As a Economist, your main responsibilities will be:

• Analyse longitudinal panel survey data using fixed-effects time-series and cross-sectional regression techniques.
• Critique and validate econometric models, ensuring robustness and reliability of insights.
• Collaborate with SEO analysts and senior leads to deliver high-quality analysis and policy-relevant findings.
• Translate complex analytical outputs into clear, actionable insights for policy colleagues.
• Support development of economic and policy implications based on model outputs.

Essential:

• Strong grounding in economic theory and ability to align empirical modelling with theoretical frameworks.
• Proven experience in panel data econometrics, causal inference, and time-series modelling.
• Proficiency in econometric software and coding (e.g., Stata, R, Python).
• Ability to test, interpret, and communicate econometric models effectively.
• Experience with fixed-effects regression analysis of panel data.

Desirable:

• Advanced coding experience in R and Python.
• Familiarity with economic productivity analysis and growth decomposition.
• Experience writing accessible reports for publication (e.g., GOV.UK).

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DSIT guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

DSIT guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".