Research Assistant - UK Social Policy

Ecorys UK; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary pro rata

London weighting

Annual leave

Flexible work

Profit share

Pension & wellbeing

Volunteering day

Learning & development

Career development

Collaborative culture

Modern office

Job summary

Ecorys UK is seeking a Research Assistant to join the UK Policy and Research team in Leeds. The role involves applying qualitative and quantitative methods, supporting evaluations and impact assessments, and developing analytical skills using Excel, MAXQDA and R.

The ideal candidate has an undergraduate degree in social science or related fields, a genuine interest in UK policy, and strong written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• A relevant undergraduate degree in social science, social research, geography, statistics, mathematics, economics, research methods or a related subject, or equivalent work experience.
• A Master's degree is desirable but not essential.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply qualitative and quantitative research skills, including desk-based research, literature reviews, survey design, in-depth interviews, focus groups and data analysis.
• Support research studies, evaluations, impact assessments, monitoring and dissemination activities.
• Develop analytical skills using software such as Excel, MAXQDA and R.
• Grow client-facing and business development skills by contributing to work-winning activities, with opportunities to specialise in research methodologies, impact evaluation or economic evaluation.

Job description

Research Assistant - UK Social Policy

Application Deadline: 24 November 2026

Department: Social Research

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: Leeds, UK

Description

Ecorys is a leading international research and consultancy company addressing society’s key challenges. We combine our deep knowledge of the societal challenges and our extensive skills and expertise to help clients in the public and third sectors make evidence-based decisions. Ecorys is a company with strong European roots and international presence. With own offices in 10 countries, we employ over 600 people working alongside external experts and associates in about 200 locations throughout the world.

The Role

Our UK Policy and Research team is looking for a Research Assistant to join our team of 100+ research and evaluation specialists delivering impactful work across a variety of social and economic policy areas. We are recruiting emerging research talent for roles based in our UK offices.

Our work ranges from qualitative and quantitative research studies to evaluations, impact assessments, monitoring and learning activities for a variety of clients, including UK government departments. Projects cover policy areas such as the environment, education, children, young people and families, health, crime and justice, local economic development and financial inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply qualitative and quantitative research skills, including desk‑based research, literature reviews, survey design, in‑depth interviews, focus groups and data analysis.
• Support research studies, evaluations, impact assessments, monitoring and dissemination activities.
• Develop your analytical skills using research software such as Excel, MAXQDA and R.
• Grow your client‑facing and business development skills by contributing to work‑winning activities, with opportunities to specialise in research methodologies, impact evaluation or economic evaluation.

Our UK Research Assistants have contributed to government evaluations across the environment, education, and children, young people and families policy areas. These opportunities support technical development and career progression towards Research Manager and beyond. We provide career development planning, training, mentoring and regular reviews within a collaborative and supportive team culture.

What you will bring

• A relevant undergraduate degree in social science, social research, geography, statistics, mathematics, economics, research methods or a related subject, or equivalent work experience. A Master's degree is desirable but not essential.
• A genuine interest in UK social and economic policy.
• Practical experience of qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups, and quantitative research, including survey design, data analysis and reporting findings.
• Experience of producing research reports and communicating findings in a variety of written and verbal formats.
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work creatively with qualitative and quantitative data.
• Good time‑management, project‑management, organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and spoken English, a proactive approach to problem‑solving, and a willingness to adapt, learn and develop new skills.

Our offer

Our team culture is collaborative and supportive; we aim to help everyone grow in their roles, towards a happy and fulfilling career with us. We have a wide range of staff networks and support groups including a global women’s network, a carer’s network, a neurodiversity group and our LGBTQ+ network. You can get involved in our wellbeing and social value activity including using your paid volunteering day to support our charity partner.

We offer a highly competitive benefits package including:

• Salary: £27,500 per annum pro rata
• London weighting: £3,500 per annum pro rata (for London‑based contracts)
• 25 days annual leave pro rata (plus bank holidays), increasing with service
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Company profit share scheme
• Pension, life assurance and wellbeing support, paid volunteering day
• Access to learning and development through the Ecorys Global Academy
• Opportunities for professional development and knowledge sharing.
• A collaborative, supportive, and inclusive work environment.
• A modern, well‑equipped office with a welcoming atmosphere.

If you would like to find out more about this opportunity and our company, please visit our website: https://www.ecorys.com