Principal Economist & Policy Lead – Data & Regulation

Ofcom; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ofcom’s Economics and Analytics Group in the UK seeks a Principal economist to lead econometric analyses and data-driven policy evaluations. You will oversee projects across regulatory economics, competition and consumer issues, applying advanced quantitative methods and ML techniques where appropriate.

You will guide a team of economists and data analysts, shape evidence-based policy debates, and contribute to publications, while mentoring colleagues and collaborating with multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Solid foundation in applied microeconomics and econometrics.
• Experience applying economic concepts to real-world policy projects.
• Interest in machine learning or AI techniques applied to economic analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams of economists and data analysts on multiple projects.
• Identify economic and policy issues and design empirical analyses.
• Provide high‑quality quantitative analysis and strategic direction.
• Communicate complex concepts clearly to stakeholders.
• Support coaching and development of junior colleagues.
• Contribute to leadership of the Economics and Analytics Group.

Skills

Applied econometrics

Data science

Competition economics

R

Python

Postgraduate economics

Education

Postgraduate qualification in economics

PhD preferred

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Ofcom’s Economics and Analytics Group in the UK seeks a Principal economist to lead econometric analyses and data-driven policy evaluations. You will oversee projects across regulatory economics, competition and consumer issues, applying advanced quantitative methods and ML techniques where appropriate.

You will guide a team of economists and data analysts, shape evidence-based policy debates, and contribute to publications, while mentoring colleagues and collaborating with multidisciplinary