Senior Research Officer, Institute for Social and Economic Research

University of Essex; Colchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the UK is seeking a Researcher to develop microsimulation models focused on economic and health inequalities. The ideal candidate will hold a relevant degree and have experience in computational modelling. This full-time, fixed-term position offers the opportunity to engage in impactful research and contribute to publications within the Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree in Economics, Computer Science, Physics, Maths, Life sciences, or other Social Science disciplines.
• Higher qualifications are desirable.
• Experience in computational modelling and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to developing microsimulation models at CeMPA.
• Focus on the dynamic framework SimPaths.
• Produce research outputs and co-author papers.

Skills

Computational modelling

Economics

Data analysis

Education

Degree in Economics or related field

Higher qualifications

Job description

Department

The Centre for Microsimulation and Policy Analysis (CeMPA) is hosted at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER), a flagship department within the University of Essex, internationally recognised for excellence and expertise in quantitative social science and research methodologies. CeMPA is at the forefront of microsimulation modelling, with applications to tax-benefit analysis, life-course analysis, and complexity economics.

CeMPA’s research aims to understand the social distribution of life chances by analyzing mechanisms behind social and health inequalities and the effects of policies over time.

CeMPA develops open-source models such as the static tax-benefit microsimulation platform EUROMOD and the dynamic microsimulation platform JAS-mine, covering areas from tax-benefit to dynamic microsimulation and agent-based modelling.

Role Responsibilities

The successful candidate will contribute to developing microsimulation models at CeMPA, focusing on the dynamic framework SimPaths. Key interests include computational modelling, distributional issues (economic and health inequalities), the economics of ageing, social policy evaluation, and life course analysis.

You will also produce research outputs, participate in conferences and engagement activities, and may co-author papers, contributing to CeMPA's research agenda.

Further duties are detailed in the full job pack.

Qualifications and Skills

A relevant degree in Economics, Computer Science, Physics, Maths, Life sciences, or other Social Science disciplines with a significant computational component, or equivalent experience, is required. Higher qualifications are desirable.

Additional requirements are listed in the Person Specification within the job pack.

This is a fixed-term, full-time research position for two years, funded by a grant.

The University of Essex values diversity and internationalism, fostering an inclusive environment for staff and students from all backgrounds.