About the Role
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK's National Metrology Institute (NMI), we develop and maintain the national primary measurement standards. Through our vital research, NPL is helping support scientific and commercial innovations, international trade, environmental protection and health and wellbeing.
As our Senior Economist, you will support with measuring the impact that our work has on the economy, by leading the delivery of our analysis, we’re able to show the wide-reaching effect our work has on the world and helps us gain investment. In this role, you'll lead on preparing credible economic analysis for business cases that meet the requirements of HM Treasury’s Green Book, prior experience of this is key!
Joining our Analysis and Evaluation team you’ll lead in the development, implementation and reporting of our economic analyses, using econometrics and other methods. You’ll then take a lead on how these findings are written up and presented. You’ll also help to develop new economic evaluation methodologies and adapt existing ones to the needs of our customers. As an expert in this field, you’ll ensure you’re always keeping tabs on the latest economic impact methodologies for scientific research, so that we’re always ahead of the curve.
Key responsibilities:
1. Support and advise colleagues who are seeking impact evidence for public investments in NPL.
2. Produce economic reports and present the findings to internal and external stakeholders in an understandable and compelling format.
3. Lead the development of new methodologies, and undertake original economic analysis, to estimate the impact of NPL’s science on both the economy and the wider society.
We are now working in a hybrid way, with a mix of remote and office working. We strive to offer a great work life balance - if you are looking for full time, part time or flexible options, we will try to make this work where business possible. This will be dependent on the kind of role you do and part of the business you work in
About You
You’ll be an experienced economist with a good understanding of economic theory and applied econometrics. Ideally, you will have been involved in developing impact analysis for publicly funded science or innovation programmes, along with publicly funded bodies more generally. If possible, you would have some experience with the Government Economic Service (GES).
You may also have an interest in particular topic areas, environmental economics, health economics as well as scientific and technological developments.
Skills and experience that you can bring to the role:
4. A degree in economics (BSc & MA are acceptable, MSc preferable) or equivalent experience.
5. An interest in exploring the role that public institutions play in supporting innovation and economic growth.
6. Experience of applying economic analysis in the context of a government department or a publicly funded institution. In particular, you will have had experience of preparing businesses cases that meet the requirements of HMT’s Green Book, as well as, developing economic models to assess the value-for-money of various options.
7. Communication Skills - You will need to be able understand and communicate complex economic ideas to non-specialists.
8. Critical Thinking - You will need to be able to interpret the output of a regression analysis and use it to reach clear conclusions.
9. Interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
10. An A Level or equivalent in Mathematics, and strong analytical skills to apply methodologies for programme evaluation and to develop economic models.