Economist Researcher – Chemicals

Rpa Ltd; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday, increasing to 38

Private healthcare from day one

Tax-free profit share

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced family policies

Job summary

A leading consultancy in chemicals regulation seeks an Economist Researcher to support regulatory analysis within UK and EU frameworks. This role involves conducting literature reviews, managing data, and contributing to policy development. Ideal for recent graduates or early-career economists, it offers excellent professional growth opportunities, including 33 days of holiday and private healthcare. The position is located in Norwich with flexible hybrid working options. We encourage applications from candidates eligible to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• A degree in Economics or closely related field minimum 2:1.
• Strong analytical and research capabilities.
• Ability to manage workload efficiently.
• Excellent written English for structured reports.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and desk-based research.
• Collect and analyze data effectively.
• Support economic modelling and analysis.
• Prepare technical reports and deliverables.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Desk-based research skills

Ability to analyse qualitative data

Organisational skills

Excellent written communication

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Willingness to learn

Education

Degree in Economics or related discipline (minimum 2:1)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Location: Norwich (Agile working available)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Economist Researcher to join our Chemicals division to support delivery of high-quality economic and policy analysis within the UK and EU chemicals regulatory framework.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early career economist who wants to work at the centre of regulatory decision making. Our work directly informs regulatory outcomes under UK REACH and EU REACH, supporting both industry and public sector clients in navigating complex regulatory requirements.

You will contribute to a wide range of projects including chemical policy development, regulatory advice, impact assessment and socio-economic analysis. The work you support will influence regulatory decisions, support sustainable chemical use, and contribute to improving human health and environmental protection.

You will work closely with experienced economists, scientists and policy specialists, gaining hands‑on experience in applied economic analysis within a highly respected consultancy environment.

Why Join RPA

Risk & Policy Analysts Limited (RPA) is a 100 percent employee‑owned, B Corp certified consultancy with over 30 years of experience delivering high-quality economic, scientific and policy analysis.

Our Chemicals division is widely recognised for its expertise in Authorisation, Restriction, and broader regulatory policy. We combine economics, regulatory insight and technical expertise to deliver robust, defensible evidence to regulators, industry and policymakers.

As an employee‑owned business, our people directly benefit from our success through tax‑free profit share and equity participation. Based in central Norwich, we operate an agile working policy that supports flexibility in working hours and location while providing strong mentoring, structured development and long‑term career progression.

In 2024 we were recognised as a Sunday Times Best Employer and consistently achieve strong employee engagement results.

What You Will Do

• Conduct literature reviews and desk‑based research
• Collect, organise and analyse qualitative and quantitative data
• Build and maintain structured datasets and databases
• Support economic analysis and contribute to economic modelling where appropriate
• Assist in preparing clear, structured technical reports and client deliverables
• Contribute to presentations and supporting materials
• Work across multiple projects, managing your time to meet deadlines and quality standards
• Support senior colleagues in delivering projects for both public and private sector clients
• Develop your technical, analytical and consulting skills through structured on‑the‑job learning

What We Are Looking For

• Degree in Economics or a closely related discipline (minimum 2:1 or equivalent)
• Strong analytical and desk‑based research skills
• Ability to analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative information
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage your own workload
• Excellent written English and ability to produce clear, structured written material
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high‑quality work
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills

Salary and Benefits

• 33 days holiday, increasing to 38 days including bank holidays
• Private healthcare from day one
• Tax‑free profit share through Employee‑Owned Trust (after six months)
• Enhanced family policies
• 5 times salary death in service cover
• Flexible and agile working arrangements
• Full‑time
• Based in Norwich, with flexible and hybrid working available
• Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
• Equal opportunities employer

How to Apply

If you are excited to begin your career in economic consulting and want to contribute to work that directly shapes UK and EU chemicals regulation, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV, and why you are looking to join RPA to [e-mail] (REF: Economist Researcher Chemicals 0226).

The closing date for applications is Friday 27th March 2026. Applications may be reviewed prior to the closing date.