Research Associate

University of Sheffield - School of Economics

Location: Sheffield, Hybrid

Salary: £38,784 to £41,064

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 8th September 2025

Closes: 24th September 2025

Job Ref: 1528

Job description:

Since the global financial crisis of 2008, the UK economy has stagnated, with productivity growth falling to virtually zero whilst real house prices have risen by 20%. Why is this and what are the implications for households and the wider economy? In this project we bring together disparate branches of economics to help us understand the important, yet largely unexplored, relationship between house prices and productivity.

You will contribute to the macroeconomic aspect of our project, modelling the link between house prices and productivity from both an empirical and a theoretical point of view. The project will run for 24 months starting 3 November 2025.

We seek self-motivated, innovative and creative candidates with a PhD in economics (or equivalent experience), expertise in macroeconomic modelling, and experience in macroeconometric and/or time series data analysis, along with excellent communication skills, and an ability to work independently and in a team.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake literature reviews relevant to the project scope.
• Construct the relevant macroeconomic and house price datasets for the project from a variety of secondary data sources.
• Assist in the empirical analysis of the relationship between house prices and productivity and carry out analysis identifying bubbles in house prices.
• Assist in the theoretical modelling of the link between house prices and productivity, assist in writing solution code for DSGE models and assist in the subsequent estimation of the model.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• Prepare papers for journals and presentations at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Actively contribute to a culture in the research group and wider School where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and are able to flourish professionally or academically.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.