We need a Research and Policy Lead with excellent analytical ability and strong writing skills who has a passion for, and understanding of, UK public policy, to join the UK’s specialist think tank on the impact of longevity on society.

The post holder must be able to work at pace, undertaking research, analysing evidence, assessing key trends, and working out what this means for society and who needs to do what.

They must be able to work on multiple complex projects at the same time. Candidates must have experience in conducting quantitative and/or qualitative research, an ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and the drive to lead on future projects.

The ideal candidate will have high level competency in interpreting and communicating complex data and a broad understanding of, and interest in, current economic and social policy.

The context is a challenging one.

For example, in the UK over the past quarter of a century:

• Inequalities in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy have grown.
• While more of us are working longer into our lives, 50–64-year-olds are still less likely to be in employment than people aged 25-49. Opportunities to learn to support longer working lives are limited.
• The public sector has built very few new homes and the private sector hasn’t been able to fill the gap for first- or last-time buyers.

And globally:

• Almost 60 million children of primary school age are not in school,
• Only 20% of older people in low-income countries receive a pension,
• Climate Change and antimicrobial resistance threatens progress made over the past 25 years.

Yet there is a lot going on and plenty of opportunities to help deliver our ambitious plans:

• The UN and WHO are leading the Decade of Healthy Ageing,
• The Westminster Government is seeking to reform the NHS to focus more on preventative health to support healthier long lives.

For the full job description and details of how to apply for this post, download the Senior Research Fellow recruitment pack below. The deadline for applications is 9am on Tuesday 18 February 2025.

ILC Recruitment Pack – Research and Policy Lead