Research careers

Help shape the future of the economy, financial services industry, and regulation in the UK

Apply your technical skills to real world economic questions

Our research function is wide ranging with many opportunities to work across regulatory, monetary and financial stability research projects. 

Researchers at the Bank of England have access to unique datasets and an ample research library. You can use our facilities to explore critical issues facing the UK economy. You will also have opportunities to be involved in external debates and to be published in top economic and finance journals like:

  • The American Economic Review, 
  • Review of Economic Studies, 
  • Journal of Financial Economics 
  • Review of Financial Studies 

You can potentially also publish work in  leading science and interdisciplinary journals like Nature Communications, and our own blog Bank Underground.

Our researchers come from all over the world - bringing with them a wealth of varied perspectives. We value a collaborative environment where colleagues can continually develop through world class conferences, seminars, academic visits and by working alongside policymakers.  
 
If you are interested in working with us, please explore our current research job vacancies. You can also watch our Chief Economist Huw Pill talk about why this is a great place to start or build a career as a researcher.

Watch a recording of our 2024 information session and Q&A with Huw Pill (Chief Economist), Misa Tanaka (Head of Research), Andreas Joseph (Research Economist) and Katie Ling (Future Talent Lead – PhD), who discuss career opportunities for PhD researchers.

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How to apply

We hire researchers annually, during the autumn, across two programmes: PhD Research Programme (for recent PhD graduates) and PhD Internships. See 'Our research programmes' below for more information, including how to apply to these programmes.

We advertise roles that are suitable for more experienced researchers throughout the year as and when the need arises on our careers portal.

  • About the programme

    Fact box 

    • Length of contract/programme: This 3 year programme results in a permanent position
    • Start date: Flexible
    • Applications for 2025 opportunities are now open and close at 12pm (midday) GMT on Monday 11 November.
    • Location: London offices (hybrid)
    • Salary: £60,000

    Is this route for you? 

    This is for you if you hold (or expect to complete by end-2025) a PhD in any subject relevant to central bank policymaking.

    We are looking for recent PhD graduates with a desire to carry out and publish innovative, policy-relevant research, and to contribute to live central bank policymaking. 

    What to expect

    This is a permanent position, of which the first three years are spent on the PhD Research Programme. 

    Researchers on the programme work within one of our policy areas, and spend at least 50% of their time producing, publishing and disseminating research that is relevant to the Bank of England’s policy and research agendas. 

    Our large research community includes researchers from a range of disciplines, with a common interest in issues relevant to central bank and public policymaking. 

    Our research economists enjoy a rich and stimulating environment, have close engagement with policymakers, and make a key contribution to policy analysis. 

    How could you develop?

    We offer excellent training opportunities, both to expand researchers’ technical skills and knowledge, and to help researchers develop the skills to maximise the policy impact of their work. As a large central bank, we provide sizable computing resources and have unique, rich and novel datasets.

    We have active seminar programmes and host high-profile international conferences – providing a well rounded experience for you.

    What we offer you

    The opportunity to join the Bank of England research community, developing research skills and knowledge as well as the opportunity to contribute to policymaking and policy analysis.

    How to apply

    Apply now for our 2025 PhD Research Programme

    For more information on the application process see how to apply for our PhD Research Programme and PhD Internships.

  • About the programme

    This internship is designed for PhD students looking to carry out innovative, policy-relevant research, and to find out more about what it is like to work in a policy institution.

    Fact box 

    • Length of programme: 12 Weeks
    • Start date: Flexible 
    • Application open and close date: Open November 2024 and close February 2025. Please register your interest to be notified
    • Location: London offices (hybrid)
    • Salary: £103.85 per day

    Is this route for you? 

    To apply for this internship you will need to be currently studying for a PhD in any subject relevant to central bank policymaking.  

    What to expect

    This programme will offer you an invaluable opportunity to gain experience in economic analysis, policy making and research, at a central bank. 

    You will have the opportunity to work on a live research project, working with Bank of England researchers. You will see firsthand how research is conducted and utilised within a policymaking institution.

    Hiring areas can vary year on year, however in 2024 we recruited into the following areas: 

    • Monetary Analysis
    • Research Hub and Centre for Central Banking Studies
    • Markets
    • International
    • Financial Stability Strategy and Risk
    • Prudential Policy
    • Data and Analytics Transformation

    How could you develop? 

    While your exact research topic will be at the discretion of the Bank, we will seek to align it with your research interests and skills and give you scope to shape the project. You will be given an opportunity to present your research, either your own existing projects or your internship project, and engage with researchers and policymakers from around the Bank. 

    What we offer you

    A chance to develop your research skills and portfolio in a live policy environment.

    How to apply

    Register your interest for our 2025 opportunities. For more information on the application process see how to apply for our PhD Research Programme and PhD Internships.

This page was last updated 25 October 2024