Postdoctoral Research Assistant(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Role
University of Reading is seeking a quantitative researcher to join a high-impact project examining how permanent school closures affect pupil outcomes. Funded by the
Nuffield Foundation, this role places you at the centre of policy-relevant research that informs debates on education and inequality.
You will design and deliver rigorous causal analyses using large administrative datasets, contribute to publications for academic and policy audiences, and support project dissemination. Hybrid working is possible, provided you are UK-based.
Prior completion of accredited safe researcher training is desirable, including programmes delivered via the
UK Data Service.
What You’ll Do
- Lead quantitative and causal analysis using large-scale administrative data
- Implement robust econometric methods to evaluate policy-relevant questions
- Contribute to academic papers and policy-facing reports
- Support project coordination, dissemination, and stakeholder engagement
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary colleagues within the School
Candidate Profile
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
- A PhD (completed or near completion) in economics or a closely related discipline
- Strong econometric and quantitative analysis capability
- Experience working with complex administrative datasets
- Proficiency in Stata, R, or Python
- Clear academic writing skills suited to scholarly and policy audiences
- Strong organisational skills and independent research capability
Skilled Worker Visa Guidance
Depending on eligibility and occupation classification, sponsorship may be possible under the UK Skilled Worker route. Applicants should independently review official requirements before applying.
Relevant government guidance:
- Skilled Worker visa overview
- Immigration rules — Skilled Worker appendix
- Right to work checks — employer guidance
- Employment rights and protections
- Flexible working rights
The University cannot provide individual immigration advice during recruitment.
Inclusive Academic Culture
The Department values interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive scholarship. Flexible working arrangements may be considered where operationally feasible.
