Senior Economist

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the UK’s original free market think tank, is seeking a Senior Economist to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the IEA’s most ambitious project to date – “A New Agenda for Liberalisation:
Understanding the Barriers to Economic Growth”.

Britain is facing a significant economic growth problem, with productivity growth at only a third of its pre-financial crisis level. The goal of this three-year research and education project is to identify the barriers to economic growth in the UK and propose effective, pro-growth liberalisation policies.

This project is unprecedented in its scope and ambition, taking a strategic and comprehensive free-market perspective on issues including, but not limited to: taxation, land-use planning, energy policy, financial regulation, and international trade.

As a Senior Economist, you’ll be a key member of the IEA’s research team, reporting to Editorial Director Kristian Niemietz. The growth project as a whole will be overseen by Executive Director Tom Clougherty.

The ideal candidate will have an exceptional understanding of economics and public policy – with an advanced degree in these or related fields – excellent quantitative skills, and a commitment to the IEA’s mission of promoting market-based solutions to economic and social problems. They will also be an outstanding writer and communicator of ideas.

• Research & Writing:
  Lead the research and writing of several significant thematic papers on barriers to economic growth.
• Editorial Management:
  Manage and edit contributions from external authors.
• Communications & Outreach:
  Communicate project ideas to a wide range of audiences through media appearances, in-house podcasts, Substack essays, and the IEA’s student education programs.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work with a team of IEA experts and external collaborators to coordinate research and publication activities.

This is envisaged as a full-time, employed position at the IEA’s London office, located in the heart of Westminster. But we are open to alternative arrangements for the right candidate. We are also open to unconventional applicants who have a sound grasp of economics and classical liberalism but may lack the relevant formal academic qualifications. What matters is the ability to produce high quality research and communicate it effectively.

The salary is up to £75,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

Start Date:

6 October (flexible).

If you are a talented economist ready to contribute to groundbreaking research that could shape the next generation of economic policy, we encourage you to apply.

In order to apply , please submit your application, including your CV, cover letter, and a writing sample of up to 1,000 words through this form by August 31, 2025
. For any questions, please reach out to