UKIFS Economist

Location: Culham

UKIFS Economist

STEP Fusion is a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) working at the forefront of developing fusion sustainable energy. Through the design and delivery of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme we aim to build a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UKIFS will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain valued at £7tn per year.

On‑site working is expected for 3 days each week; flexible working arrangements are supported.

Benefits

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family‑friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and full inclusion.

The salary for this role is £62,858 plus specialist allowance and excellent benefits including an outstanding pension.

The closing date to apply is 12 January 2026.

If you are interested, please submit your CV.

This vacancy can be based at Culham, Oxfordshire;
West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

Job Description

As a UKIFS Economist you will lead the development and delivery of the benefits, monitoring and evaluation (BM&E) activities for the STEP programme. Your role will involve:

• Design, deliver and manage economic analysis, including value for money analysis in compliance with the HMT Green Book.
• Own gathering of insights for spending reviews and lead appraisal of impacts using qualitative, quantitative and mixed‑methods research.
• Develop approved methodologies to quantify programme impact, enhance data collection and support STEP in meeting strategic priorities.
• Be the lead author on the Economic Case sections of the HMT five‑case business cases, ensuring robust methodology approved by DESNZ and HMT.
• Provide expert advice for research reports and briefings, ensuring robustness and suitability for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide leadership, training, coaching and mentoring across UKIFS staff and wider partners.

Accountabilities
1. Economic Evidence‑Base for Policy and Decision Making

• Design, deliver and manage both in‑house and commissioned economic analysis.
• Own the gathering of insight for spending reviews, ensuring robust, high‑quality analysis.
• Lead development of approved methodologies to quantify programme impact.

2. Economic Case for STEP Business Case(s)

• Lead author on Economic Case sections of the HMT five‑case business cases.
• Ensure robust methodology approved by DESNZ and HMT.

3. Deliver Impactful Products

• Lead development of economic figures and related narrative.
• Provide expert advice for research reports and briefings.
• Respond to ad‑hoc requests for economic evidence.

4. Economics Subject Matter Expert for STEP

• Oversee production and quality control of economic evidence.
• Provide advisory support and training across UKIFS staff.

5. Lead a Strong Network

• Develop relationships with external and internal stakeholders.
• Build a strong network to enable detailed insight of economic benefits.

6. Embody Leadership Mindset

• Demonstrate leadership behaviour and cultural values.
• Foster a positive inclusive team environment.
• Lead by example with integrity and professionalism.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Economics or equivalent.
• Experience leading quantitative and qualitative data management and analysis.
• Understanding of government economic best practice and HMT requirements.
• Strong interpersonal skills, confidence forging relationships.
• Ability to respond quickly to changing demands.
• Technical skills with robust analytic techniques.

Beneficial

• Experience of government economic best practice and HMT requirements.
• Leading economic analysis or evaluations, interest in fusion or science & engineering.
• Experience with spreadsheet models, R and Python.
• Leadership in fast‑paced, complex environments.
• Experience working with government stakeholders on large‑scale programmes.
• Experience in multidisciplinary environments with finance, policy, engineering, science, commercial, project delivery, legal and senior leadership teams.

Additional Information

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team and EDI partnership promote diversity and inclusion. UKIFS is committed to accessibility; contact  for support.

Applicants will complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Disclosure & Barring Service checks. SC clearance may be required in the future.

International applicants should refer to the UK Government guidance for criminal records checks.

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