Quantitative Research Officer, Young Lives

at  University of Oxford

The Oxford Department of International Development is seeking to recruit a Quantitative Research Officer who will be a key member of the Young Lives study. The post holder will be line managed by the Director of the Young Lives study. The post holder will be a key member of the Young Lives study with responsibility for supporting the YL Director in laying the foundations for a new Young Lives Research Hub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks, in submitting research grant application and carrying out research using longitudinal data on issues relevant to childhood poverty and policy. they will help to ensure that all aspects of the Young Lives quantitative research are of a high standard, providing guidance and support to other members of the Young Lives team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to laying the foundations for a new Young Lives Research Hub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks.
• Leading on data matching initiatives supporting the fundraising strategy on the new Young Lives Hub, working closely with the Young Lives Director.
• Develop ideas for generating research income for new and existing components of the Young Lives study, and specifically on the new research programme on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks.
• Support senior researchers in the preparation of detailed research proposals.
• Analyse quantitative data from Young Lives surveys and other sources, including administrative data, and carry out research using longitudinal data on issues relevant to childhood poverty and policy.
• Working closely with researchers and data managers based in Oxford and the study countries, to ensure that all aspects of the Young Lives quantitative research and the latest survey round, Round 7, are of a high standard.
• Support other Young Lives researchers on academic research in line with Young Lives research grants and research themes. This involves working both independently and collaboratively with colleagues in partner institutions, co-ordinating multiple aspects of work to meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborate in the preparation of research publications, including journal articles and technical notes and peer review the research outputs of researchers based in Oxford and the study countries to ensure that Young Lives research is of a high standard.
• Carry out administrative activities and small scale project management, as part of the wider Young Lives study.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the Young Lives team on research findings, methodologies and procedures.
• Represent Young Lives at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the Young Lives team or alone, including presentation of papers at conferences or public meetings.

This post is full-time, based in Oxford, fixed-term up to 31st December 2025.
The successful candidate will hold, or be close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in economics or another relevant quantitative social science discipline. They will have excellent analytical and statistical skills and strong STATA skills and experience of analysing survey data/administrative data/panel data (preferably household surveys for developing countries). Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent Young Lives at meetings are essential to this role.
At ODID we embrace and cherish our differences, and endeavour to be considerate and welcoming of all. You are most welcome at ODID, without the need to hide any part of who you are. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these affect us, and those around us, personally and professionally. We hold an Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of our efforts to introduce organisational and cultural changes which promote equality, cherish diversity and create a better working environment for all. We are also taking active steps to promote race equality and reduce the risk of bias and discrimination. We work together to enrich, fortify and grow our community and dedicate our combined efforts to teaching and research to increase our impact and influence in development debates at the national and global level. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for our vacancies and join us in pursuing our goals.
Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.

• Contribute to laying the foundations for a new Young Lives Research Hub on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks.
• Leading on data matching initiatives supporting the fundraising strategy on the new Young Lives Hub, working closely with the Young Lives Director.
• Develop ideas for generating research income for new and existing components of the Young Lives study, and specifically on the new research programme on Climate Change and Environmental Shocks.
• Support senior researchers in the preparation of detailed research proposals.
• Analyse quantitative data from Young Lives surveys and other sources, including administrative data, and carry out research using longitudinal data on issues relevant to childhood poverty and policy.
• Working closely with researchers and data managers based in Oxford and the study countries, to ensure that all aspects of the Young Lives quantitative research and the latest survey round, Round 7, are of a high standard.
• Support other Young Lives researchers on academic research in line with Young Lives research grants and research themes. This involves working both independently and collaboratively with colleagues in partner institutions, co-ordinating multiple aspects of work to meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborate in the preparation of research publications, including journal articles and technical notes and peer review the research outputs of researchers based in Oxford and the study countries to ensure that Young Lives research is of a high standard.
• Carry out administrative activities and small scale project management, as part of the wider Young Lives study.
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the Young Lives team on research findings, methodologies and procedures.
• Represent Young Lives at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the Young Lives team or alone, including presentation of papers at conferences or public meetings