Postdoc Research Fellows - Economics

Ellison Institute of Technology; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Oxford is seeking a full-time Post-doctoral Research Fellow to develop economic solutions for health-related challenges. The role includes empirical modelling and theoretical evaluations and offers a stimulating research environment with opportunities for collaboration across disciplines. Candidates need a PhD in Economics and strong technical skills to succeed in this impactful role.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday pay

Pension

Life Assurance

Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Hospital Cash Plan

Therapy Services

Electric Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Evidence of intellectual excellence and ability to work independently.
• Strong technical skillset including theoretical modelling and econometric applications.
• Ability to deliver as part of a project team and coordinate researchers.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on empirical modelling of health and economic outcomes.
• Evaluate macroeconomic cases for preventative health.
• Develop measures of health and identify causal factors.

Skills

Theoretical modelling

Applied micro econometrics

Large datasets

Project management

Creative problem-solving

Education

PhD in Economics or related discipline

Job description

About EIT

The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) purpose is to have a global impact by fundamentally reimagining the way science and technology translate into end-to-end solutions and delivering these solutions in programmes and platforms that respond to humanity’s most challenging problems.

EIT will ensure scientific discoveries and pioneering science are turned into products for the benefit of society that can have high-impact worldwide and, over time, be commercialised to ensure long-term sustainability.

Led by a world-class faculty of scientists, technologists, policy makers, economists and entrepreneurs, the Ellison Institute of Technology aims to develop and deploy commercially sustainable solutions to solve some of humanity’s most enduring challenges. Our work is guided by four Humane Endeavours: Health, Medical Science & Generative Biology, Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change & Managing Atmospheric CO2 and Artificial Intelligence & Robotics.

Set for completion in 2027, the EIT Campus in Littlemore will include more than 300,000 sq ft of research laboratories, educational and gathering spaces. Fuelled by growing ambition and the strength of Oxford’s science ecosystem, EIT is now expanding its footprint to a 2 million sq ft Campus across the western part of The Oxford Science Park. Designed by Foster + Partners led by Lord Norman Foster, this will become a transformative workplace for up to 7,000 people, with autonomous laboratories, purpose-built laboratories including a plant sciences building and dynamic spaces to spark interdisciplinary collaboration.

EIT is committed to cultivating a community where excellence is achieved through collaboration, trust, innovation and tenacity. We foster an environment where everyone’s experience and expertise are valued. We are curious and resilient in our efforts to drive long-term, sustainable innovation to meet humanity’s most enduring challenges.

About Economics

Economics at EIT is recruiting for a number of outstanding, full-time Post-doctoral Research Fellows dedicated to developing the economic case for transformative solutions to humanity’s greatest challenges, using pioneering theoretical and empirical research to support global solutions. This is an exciting opportunity to join a new and rapidly expanding group, under the leadership of Professor Andrew J. Scott, that will tackle frontier issues in the economics of health and work.

The EIT offers a stimulating research environment that focuses on both fundamental research as well as applied solutions – rethinking policies, institutions and economic thinking to build the economic foundations for a better future.

You will be part of a large and expanding Economics team with strong links to a world-class AI team and access to large-scale datasets. Researchers will have the opportunity to work with a faculty of global academic experts producing research aimed at shaping government policies and creating successful commercial products.

You will be part of a cohort of Post-Doctoral Fellows and Pre-Doctoral positions. Positions are full-time and are for one and two-year duration, potentially renewable for further terms, subject to performance, with the option to rotate across projects.

With the opportunity to mix with leading academics across a range of institutions and participate in the research networks of academics and policymakers operating out of EIT these positions offer a unique track for establishing credentials for further research or for providing a springboard for a career in policy or business.

About the Role

The projects cover a range of theoretical and empirical issues with Researchers being allocated depending on their strengths and interests. You will work closely with leading academic and policy experts on the issues and be expected to take the lead on driving research forward and coordinating with Pre-Doctoral Researchers:

• Empirical modelling of the links between biology, health, disease and economic outcomes (e.g. labour force participation, earnings, occupational choice, retirement, etc).
• Constructing micro-founded models to evaluate the macroeconomic case for preventative health.
• Developing effective measures of health using large, novel datasets and identifying key causal factors via quasi-experimental techniques that would deliver effective prevention programmes.
• Work on theoretical models evaluating the welfare gains of better health, developing measures to improve the allocation of health resources.
• Using economic approach to develop recommendations to measure and improve health systems productivity.
• How might AI and robotics and demographic trends affect future economic forecasts for GDP, productivity and employment? What implications might these dynamics and transitions have for public finances?

Skills Required

• A PhD (or due to complete in 2026) in Economics, or related discipline with research relevant to theoretical modelling (micro, macro or health), applied micro econometrics and large data skills.
• Evidence of intellectual excellence and the ability to work independently.
• A strong technical skillset – theoretical modelling, econometric application, experience with large datasets, etc.
• The ability to deliver as part of a wider project team and to coordinate researchers and data work
• A creative approach to problem-solving and the ability to project manage.
• Working across broad scientific missions to identify and solve different economics problems.

We expect the Post-Doctoral Fellow to pursue independent high-quality research, working closely with senior colleagues in the Economics Department, while fostering collaboration and opportunity for applied economics research across the wider EIT Programmes.

We do not require candidates with knowledge of health economics but a general emphasis on economic thinking and strong technical skills that can be applied to specific research projects and more broadly.

Application Requirements

Applications are welcome from candidates both within the UK and internationally. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate’s eligibility to work in the UK.

Role Duration

Positions are available for one-year and two-year terms. Fellows will be appointed on a full-time basis, with contracts renewable annually. A minimum commitment of two years is strongly preferred.

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Job Market Paper
• Cover Letter
• Two Letters of Reference

We offer the following benefits

• Enhanced holiday pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Private Medical Insurance
• Hospital Cash Plan
• Therapy Services
• Perk Box
• Electric Car Scheme

Why work for EIT

At the Ellison Institute, we believe a collaborative, inclusive team is key to our success. We are building a supportive environment where creative risks are encouraged, and everyone feels heard. Valuing emotional intelligence, empathy, respect, and resilience, we encourage people to be curious and to have a shared commitment to excellence. Join us and make an impact!