We are a small, independent research organisation with a broad programme. We look for people who care about methodological rigour, write clearly, and hold themselves to the same standards of transparency we apply to our published work.
Our researchers, analysts and support teams produce peer-reviewed analysis, market intelligence and policy research across nine areas. The work is evidence-led and non-partisan, and it is only credible if the people doing it are supported to do it well. We recruit on merit, welcome applicants from every background, and make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the process.
Most roles are based in London with hybrid working, though some are fully remote within the UK. Fellowships and internships are open more widely. Whatever the role, we expect our people to document their methods, declare relevant interests, and be candid about what the evidence does and does not show.
The roles below are open for application. Each listing links to a full description and person specification when you enquire.
Lead comparative studies on growth, trade and labour markets, from research design through to peer-reviewed publication. You will set methods, supervise a small team and account for data and funding on every output.
Design and deliver market-sizing and sector studies for both published research and commissioned market-research briefs, keeping the two clearly separated and documenting every method used.
Build and maintain the pipelines and open datasets that underpin our publications, with a focus on reproducibility, documentation and responsible data use.
Translate peer-reviewed findings into clear, non-partisan briefings for policymakers, business and the press, without overstating what the evidence supports.
Fellowships bring independent researchers and experienced practitioners into our programmes for a defined period and a defined piece of work. All fellowship research is subject to our editorial standards and external review.
12–24 months · Funded
Salaried posts for researchers with a doctorate or equivalent experience to lead an independent study within one of our nine research areas, with methodological support and external review.
3–9 months · Stipend
For academics and practitioners on leave from a host institution who wish to pursue a defined piece of comparative research in residence with a programme team.
6–12 months · Funded
For experienced policy professionals who want to work alongside our researchers on evidence for public decisions, bringing practitioner insight to study design.
Our internships are paid and structured, with a named supervisor and a clear contribution to live research. They are designed for students and recent graduates considering a career in applied research.
3–6 months · Paid
Structured placements for students and recent graduates to support live studies — literature reviews, data preparation and analysis — under the supervision of a named researcher.
3–6 months · Paid
For those with a quantitative background to help build datasets, document methods and improve the reproducibility of our published work.
We keep a register of researchers, analysts and specialists we would like to hear from as our programme grows. If none of the current openings fit, you are welcome to register an expression of interest. Send a short covering note and your CV, telling us the research areas you work in and the kind of role you are looking for. We hold expressions of interest in line with our privacy notice and get in touch when something relevant arises.
Recruitment enquiries: careers@internationalresearchinstitute.org