Research Associate

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university seeks a candidate for a part-time research position in economics. You will analyze household finances and their impact on housing markets. Successful applicants will have a PhD in Economics and expertise in data analysis and microeconomic modeling. The role offers competitive benefits including flexible working and a strong commitment to staff well-being.

Benefits

41 days annual leave including bank holidays

Flexible working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience of data analysis to a high academic standard.
• Knowledge of the relevant academic literature in the areas of housing.
• Proven ability to prioritize effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a thorough review of relevant academic literature.
• Collect and manage large-scale datasets.
• Assist in the development of econometric models.

Skills

Data analysis

Microeconomic modeling

Effective communication

Education

PhD in Economics or equivalent experience

Tools

STATA

Job description

Overview

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Since the 2008 global financial crisis, the UK economy has been caught in a paradox: productivity growth has been near zero while real house prices have risen by 20%. This project will explore the largely unexamined link between this economic stagnation and the unprecedented changes in household savings and their allocation. We will investigate how the channelling of capital into housing, rather than more productive investments, has contributed to this disconnect.

Your role will be to contribute to the project's microeconomic aspect. You will empirically model the connection between household finances and house prices, analysing how individuals\' decisions to save and allocate their wealth impact the housing market. The insights gained from this work will be crucial for informing national policy aimed at a more balanced and productive economy.

We are looking for a self-motivated, innovative, and creative candidate with a PhD in economics (or equivalent experience). The ideal candidate will have expertise in data analysis, microeconomic modeling, and relevant econometric techniques. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are also essential.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct a thorough review of relevant academic literature to support the project\'s theoretical framework and empirical approach.
• Collect, clean, and manage large-scale micro and macroeconomic datasets, ensuring their accuracy and integrity for use in the project\'s models.
• Assist in the development and implementation of advanced econometric models.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all data sources, code, and methodology to ensure the project\'s reproducibility and transparency.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• Prepare papers for journals and presentations at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Actively contribute to a culture in the research group and wider School where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and are able to flourish professionally or academically.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn\'t match perfectly with this role\'s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

A PhD in Economics, preferably in macroeconomics (or equivalent experience)

Desirable

Application
Experience of data analysis to a high academic standard.

Essential

Application/Interview
Experience of microeconometric methods using STATA.

Essential

Application/Interview
Knowledge of the relevant academic literature in the areas of housing.

Desirable

Application/Interview
Good time management skills

Essential

Application/Interview
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations.

Essential

Application/Interview
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.

Essential

Application/Interview
Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities, both individually and in conjunction with other team members.

Essential

Application/Interview
Proven ability to prioritise effectively, managing ad hoc tasks as well as longer-term work.

Essential

Application/Interview
Ability to work as a member of a team and make a positive contribution to team meetings.

Further Information

Grade
7

Salary
£38,784 - £41,064 per annum pro rata

Work arrangement
Part-time (50%)

Duration
24 months

Line manager
Group leader

Direct reports
N/A

What We Offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
• paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
• support for those going through the menopause
• paid time off and support for fertility treatment
• and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.