Ecorys is an international, world-class research-based consultancy that helps our clients make a positive impact on society. We are leaders in research and evaluation, project management, and communications, providing the evidence and advice that our clients need to tackle issues affecting communities worldwide. Our 600 staff are proud of our innovative contributions to policy and programme delivery. We are passionate about our environmental and social impact, donating profits to the Charity of the Year, volunteering, and maintaining our carbon neutrality.

What you will be doing

Our UK-based Policy and Research team is currently looking for emerging research talent to join our team of over 100 research and evaluation specialists delivering impactful work across various clients.

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our work on qualitative and quantitative research studies, evaluations, impact assessments, and dissemination activities, with some monitoring responsibilities.

We particularly welcome junior researchers interested in UK social and economic policy areas such as environment, education, children, youth and families, health, crime and justice, local economic development, and financial inclusion. Additional expertise in other UK priority policy areas is a plus.

As a Research Assistant, you will develop and apply research skills including desk research, literature reviews, survey design, interviews, and data analysis using software like Excel, MAXQDA, and R.

Opportunities for growth include developing client-facing and business development skills, specializing in qualitative or quantitative methodologies, or impact and economic evaluation. Some UK travel may be required.

Our UK Research Assistants have worked on projects evaluating UK government programmes related to environment, education, and youth and families. This technical development supports career progression towards roles such as Research Manager.

We are looking for a candidate to join any of our UK offices in 2025, ideally starting in autumn 2025.

Your development will be supported through career planning, training, mentoring, and reviews, with support from a dedicated Line Manager and a buddy.

Our team culture is collaborative and supportive, with staff networks including women, carers, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ groups. You can also participate in wellbeing and social activities, including paid volunteering days.

What we will need from you

• A good undergraduate degree in social sciences, geography, statistics, maths, economics, research methods, or related fields, or equivalent experience. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.
• A genuine interest in UK social and economic policy areas.
• Experience applying research skills practically.
• Experience producing reports in various formats.
• Ability to manage projects within tight deadlines.
• Experience with qualitative research, including interviews and focus groups.
• Experience with quantitative research, including survey design and data analysis.
• Critical and creative thinking with data.
• Excellent English language skills; additional languages are a plus.
• Ownership of problems and timely escalation.
• Receptiveness to change and willingness to try new approaches.
• Strong organizational and task management skills.
• Familiarity with MAXQDA and R software.

We offer a competitive benefits package including salary, cost of living raises, London weighting, bonuses, remote work allowance, paid volunteering days, cycle scheme, flexible hours, share scheme, and leave options. Our hybrid work model involves 2-3 days in the office or field and 1-2 days remote each week.

Please apply with your CV and cover letter, specifying your preferred location and start date. Applications are reviewed daily, and early submission is encouraged. The deadline for application is Friday, 22nd August 2025.

Ecorys is a Disability Confident Employer. Please inform us if you need adjustments during the recruitment process by emailing recruitment@ecorys.com. For accessible job materials, contact recruitment@ecorys.com.

We are a leading international research and consultancy firm addressing society’s key challenges.