Job Description

Ref Number

B04-06654

Professional Expertise

Research and Research Support

Department

UCL BEAMS (B04)

Location

London

Working Pattern

Full time

Salary

36,433-41,833

Contract Type

Fixed-term

Working Type

Hybrid

Available for Secondment

No

Closing Date

11-Nov-2025

About us

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The Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) at University College London (UCL) brings together cutting-edge academic theory with teaching and policy practice, to rethink the role of the state in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing society.



IIPP works with partners to develop a framework which challenges traditional economic thinking, with the goal of creating, nurturing and evaluating public value in order to achieve growth that is more innovation-led, inclusive and sustainable. This requires rethinking the underlying economics that have informed the education of global public servants and the design of government policies.



IIPP's work feeds into innovation and industrial policy, financial reform, institutional change and sustainable development. A key pillar of IIPP's research is its understanding of markets as outcomes of the interactions between different actors. In this context, public policy should not be seen as simply fixing market failures, but also as actively shaping and co-creating markets. Re-focusing and designing public organisations around mission-led, public purpose aims will help tackle the grand challenges facing the 21st century.

About the role

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UCL's Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose seeks a Research Assistant to work with Prof. Mariana Mazzucato on academic writing opportunities.



This includes, but is not limited to: drafting, and editing academic papers, policy briefs, op-eds, articles, speaking notes, slide decks for academic lectures, blog posts, and content for digital/social media. The role also entails coordinating Prof Mazzucato's academic work by liaising with co-authors, academic journals and other relevant stakeholders, and keeping track of progress and relevant deadlines regarding Professor Mazzucato's ongoing academic engagements. Occasionally, the role may entail supporting on academic grant applications, liaising closely with the IIPP grants team and other stakeholders.

About you

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The successful candidate will hold a Master's degree in a relevant field such as economics or political economy, with demonstrable experience in a research-focused role. They will be an exceptional communicator and storyteller, able to translate complex research and policy ideas into clear, engaging content for both expert and general audiences. With strong writing, editing, and proofreading abilities, the successful candidate will produce high-quality outputs across academic, print, digital, and social media channels. They will possess excellent project management skills, ensuring priorities are met and deadlines achieved, and will have experience working collaboratively with academic and policy stakeholders to deliver impactful research and communication.

What we offer

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As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: o 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) o Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme o Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) o Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan o Immigration loan o Relocation scheme for certain posts o On-Site nursery o On-site gym o Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay o Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service o Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more. Application Process o A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. Contact Details o If you have any queries about the role, please contact iipp-dircos@ucl.ac.uk o If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Team at bartlett.arch.hr@ucl.ac.uk. The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work - please visit www.ucl.ac.uk/ways-of-working to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our Faculty holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment and demonstrable impact in advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/