Research Assistant (Economics) (111136-1225)

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a Research Assistant in Economics to work on a Nuffield-Foundation-funded project focused on housing affordability. Responsibilities include quantitative data analysis and collaborating with faculty members. Candidates should hold a master's degree in Economics, demonstrating the ability to manipulate and analyze large datasets. This role offers an 18-month contract with a flexible start date and valuable research experience in the field of applied economics.

Benefits

Attractive pension scheme

26 days holiday plus university closure

Onsite childcare facilities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Proactive individual interested in research.
• Strong analytical skills with data handling experience.
• Able to work collaboratively with a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data cleaning, processing, and analysis.
• Conduct literature reviews to support research.
• Prepare academic reports and presentations.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Big Data manipulation

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in Economics

Job description

Research Assistant (Economics) (111136-1225)

17 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants

1. University of Warwick provided pay range
2. Base pay range

About The Role

The Department of Economics is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant to assist Dr Nikhil Datta and Dr Amrita Kulka in the successful execution of their Nuffield-Foundation-funded Big Data project “Towards housing affordability: local supply drivers and optimal policy” (project page here).
The project examines various factors of the UK housing delivery system that may drive housing prices, ultimately seeking to answer what the optimal policy design would be to improve housing affordability across the UK. Sub-projects focus on the role of market power among developers and landlords, and the extent to which planning regulations and conditions contribute to the lack of new housing supply and affordability.

The role primarily involves quantitative analysis of newly constructed data on planning documents combined with data on housing construction, search and price information, and other data that vary depending on the focus of a given sub-project. Responsibilities also include working with Big Data (billions of observations) through cleaning, processing, validation, and combining data from various sources; preparing presentations for various audiences; and drafting academic research papers.

This position offers extensive experience that prepares candidates for doctoral programs in applied economics, careers in quantitative policy analysis, or data‑science roles in industry. The start date is flexible, with an 18‑month contract and potential extension.

About You

We require an individual who is interested in the research area, proactive, and able to work as part of a team. The Research Assistant will be expected to assist with construction, cleaning, manipulation, and analysis of Big Data, conduct literature reviews, and collaborate closely with Dr. Kulka and Dr. Datta to disseminate outcomes and draft reports and academic papers. Candidates should have completed a master’s degree in Economics by the start date; exceptional cases may consider a completed bachelor’s degree.

For further information regarding required skills, please refer to the personal specification section of the attached PDF.

About the Department

The Department of Economics is widely regarded as one of the top economics departments in the UK and Europe, consistently ranking highly in international subject league tables. It is currently ranked 1st in the Good University Guide 2026 and 2nd in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The department offers extensive training opportunities and interacts with PhD students, postdocs, and faculty.

About the University

Warwick is a world‑leading research‑intensive university founded in 1965, ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK. 92% of its research is rated world‑leading or internationally excellent. Learn more about Warwick.

How to Apply

Closing deadline: Sunday 18th January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time). To apply, click Apply below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g., volunteering, extracurricular activities).

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates invited to interview. Interview Date: 2nd February 2026. Start Date: 1st March 2026 (flexible).

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits, including an attractive pension scheme, 26 days holiday plus University Christmas closure, generous parental/adoption leave, onsite childcare facilities, and excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work/life balance.
• Living Wage employer status.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and actively encourage candidates from under‑represented groups.

Safeguarding & DBS

• Regulated activity roles are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level.
• Any employee subject to a barring order will not undertake work with the barred group.
• All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex‑Offenders

Applicants who make a disclosure of a conviction will not be discriminated against. Disclosures are visible only to the DBS team and are not shared with hiring panels.

Job Description

JD Research Assistant (Economics) (111136).pdf – 214KB (Opens in a new window)

Right to Work in the UK

This role is not eligible for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa. Applicants who do not yet have the right to work in the UK should confirm eligibility via the UK Government website before applying.

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