Research Director

Reporting to: Director

Managing: Senior research staff/team leads

About NIESR

NIESR is an independent research institute improving understanding of the economy and society through rigorous, policy-relevant research and public engagement. We work with policymakers, academics and partners in the UK and internationally to inform decision-making and public debate.

The role

We are seeking a Research Director to provide strategic leadership for NIESR’s research, ensuring delivery of a high-quality, ambitious and policy-relevant programme of work with strong external visibility and impact.

The Research Director will shape and deliver the Institute’s research strategy—raising the ambition and profile of NIESR’s work, strengthening collaboration across teams, ensuring quality, and supporting growth in external income and partnerships.

Key responsibilities

Research leadership and strategic direction

• Lead an ambitious research programme aligned with NIESR’s strategic priorities as outlined in the new Research Strategy.
• Build coherence and collaboration across teams, and promote innovation in themes, methods, partnerships and outputs.

Ensuring quality, raising ambition and impact

• Ensure consistently high standards of analytical quality, policy relevance and intellectual rigour.
• Increase the visibility and influence of outputs, supporting cross-cutting projects and constructively challenging teams to improve reach and impact.

Leadership of people and performance

• Lead, motivate and develop research staff, fostering high performance, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Oversee recruitment, talent development, succession planning and performance management across the research function.

Income generation and external partnerships

• Contribute to funding proposals, research bids and commissioned work to sustain a diverse portfolio.
• Build and sustain relationships with funders, strategic partners, academic collaborators and policymakers in the UK and internationally.
• Work with colleagues across the Institute to develop partnerships, events and convening activity that enhance the scale and impact of NIESR’s research.

External profile and influence

• Act as a principal public-facing representative of NIESR’s research, strengthening its visibility, authority and influence.
• Build senior external relationships and pursue opportunities to expand the reach and practical impact of the Institute’s work (events, media and strategic partnerships).

Institutional leadership

• Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team to the overall direction and management of the Institute.
• Support organisational change and work with the Director and colleagues to translate strategic priorities into deliverable plans and outcomes.

How to apply

Submit your CV and a two-page cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria for the role and your vision for leading NIESR's research programme. Please include your availability and any relevant publications or outputs. You may wish to review NIESR’s new Research Strategy prior to application.

Please submit applications via the ‘Apply’ button above (e: HR@NIESR.ac.uk)

Closing date: 3rd June 2026 (we may close the advert early if the right candidate is found).

NIESR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will consider reasonable adjustments to support candidates through the recruitment process.