Researcher/Economist – Energy and Net Zero

NEF is looking for a Researcher/Economist to join its energy and net zero work, as part of our mission to deliver a fast and fair transition to a green economy. This is an exciting opportunity for a curious, rigorous and politically engaged researcher who is motivated to develop bold, practical and well-evidenced policy ideas that can cut bills, accelerate decarbonisation, reduce inequality, and shift power towards people and communities.

The successful candidate will bring strong quantitative and economic research skills to work across a wide range of issues, including energy affordability, electricity market reform, green investment, industrial decarbonisation, household energy use, fossil fuel dependency, energy taxation, distributional impacts, and the design of a truly fair transition.

We are recruiting at a time when AI is reshaping how research is produced, tested and communicated. We are looking for someone who can use these tools intelligently, while bringing the judgement, scepticism, creativity and political insight that technology cannot replace.

Role: Researcher/Economist – Energy and Net Zero
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £42,868 - £49,764
Location: London (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 10th June 2026
Interviews:  First stage interviews 23rd June with second stage in person interviews on the 2nd July

Start date: ASAP

Please send your CV and your answer to the following questions in Word format.

1.   Set out how your experience meets the essential criteria in the job description (300 words max)

2.   Tell us about one piece of economic, energy, climate or other public policy research that has influenced your thinking. What did you take from it, and how might it shape NEF’s work? (200 words max)

3.   Describe a dataset you have worked with (academic, work-based, or self-initiated). What question did you investigate, and how did you approach the analysis? (200 words max)

4.  Share an example of when you disagreed with a policy position or research conclusion. Describe your disagreement and expand on your own position (200 words max)

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF:

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity:

We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.