Research Assistant; Economics

Research Assistant (Economics) )

17 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants

The Department of Economics is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant to assist Dr Nikhil Datta and Dr Amrita Kulka in the successful execution of their Nuffield-Foundation-funded Big Data project “Towards housing affordability: local supply drivers and optimal policy” (project page here).
The project examines various factors of the UK housing delivery system that may drive housing prices, ultimately seeking to answer what the optimal policy design would be to improve housing affordability across the UK. Sub-projects focus on the role of market power among developers and landlords, and the extent to which planning regulations and conditions contribute to the lack of new housing supply and affordability.

The role primarily involves quantitative analysis of newly constructed data on planning documents combined with data on housing construction, search and price information, and other data that vary depending on the focus of a given sub-project. Responsibilities also include working with Big Data (billions of observations) through cleaning, processing, validation, and combining data from various sources; preparing presentations for various audiences;

and drafting academic research papers.

This position offers extensive experience that prepares candidates for doctoral programs in applied economics, careers in quantitative policy analysis, or data‑science roles in industry. The start date is flexible, with an 18‑month contract and potential extension.

We require an individual who is interested in the research area, proactive, and able to work as part of a team. The Research Assistant will be expected to assist with construction, cleaning, manipulation, and analysis of Big Data, conduct literature reviews, and collaborate closely with Dr. Kulka and Dr. Datta to disseminate outcomes and draft reports and academic papers. Candidates should have completed a master’s degree in Economics by the start date;

exceptional cases may consider a completed bachelor’s degree.

For further information regarding required skills, please refer to the personal specification section of the attached PDF.

The Department of Economics is widely regarded as one of the top economics departments in the UK and Europe, consistently ranking highly in international subject league tables. It is currently ranked 1st in the Good University Guide 2026 and 2nd in the Research Excellence Framework 2021. The department offers extensive training opportunities and interacts with PhD students, postdocs, and faculty.

Warwick is a world‑leading research‑intensive university founded in 1965, ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK. 92% of its research is rated world‑leading or internationally excellent. Learn more about Warwick.

Closing deadline:
Sunday 18th January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time).

To apply , click Apply below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g., volunteering, extracurricular activities).

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates invited to interview. Interview Date: 2nd February 2026.

Start Date:

1st March 2026 (flexible).

• Comprehensive benefits, including an attractive pension scheme, 26 days holiday plus University Christmas closure, generous parental/adoption leave, onsite childcare facilities, and excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working arrangements to support a healthy work/life balance.
• Living Wage employer status.

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds…