The Centre for Policy Studies is Britain’s leading centre-right think tank. Our mission is to develop a new generation of conservative thinking, built around promoting enterprise, ownership and prosperity.

The CPS does this both by producing our own policy papers – in particular on core areas of taxation, economic growth, business, welfare, housing and environment. We also work with prominent policy thinkers to bring their ideas to a wider audience, including many Conservative MPs, as well as hosting events, debates and conferences.

We are looking to hire a researcher to assist with ongoing research projects. Applicants should be outstanding researchers and writers, able to analyse ideas and evidence, think in numbers, construct compelling arguments, and communicate arguments clearly and effectively. This role would be suited to a recent graduate or someone with up to two years of research experience in policy, journalism or business.

This is a fixed term maternity cover contract, although there may be the chance of a permanent role.

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include:

• Conducting detailed policy research to support other members of the CPS research team
• Drafting or contributing to policy briefings, articles and research papers on a variety of topics – including core CPS issues such as tax, business and housing
• Helping to ensure the smooth running of the CPS as a whole, including by assisting with the organisation of events
• Writing articles for CapX, and for other major news outlets, in order to communicate CPS policies and ideas

Essential:

• Experience of conducting lengthy research projects, individually and as part of a team
• The ability to write concisely and accurately about complex policy ideas, often to challenging deadlines
• Commitment to CPS principles and values

Desirable:

• A track record of published policy articles or reports
• Experience conducting data analysis using Microsoft Excel (or more advanced statistical software)
• Experience communicating ideas to the public, for example through public speaking, chairing panels or broadcast media