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Researcher (Think Tank)

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A researcher in a think tank works to analyse complex issues and provide independent, evidence-based advice to inform public policy. This can include conducting interviews, reviewing academic literature, gathering and interpreting data, and writing reports or policy briefs. Researchers often specialise in areas such as economics, social policy, international relations, or the environment. They may also present findings at conferences, contribute to media discussions, and meet with policymakers or stakeholders to share insights. Work in this field requires strong analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and a keen interest in current affairs and public policy.

Researcher (Think Tank)

📊 Statistics

Average Salary Range

Researchers in think tanks earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with senior roles reaching up to £60,000 or more.

Job Market Size

There are over 100 think tanks in the UK, employing several thousand researchers across various policy areas.

Typical Working Hours

Most researchers work 37 to 40 hours per week, with occasional evening events or deadlines.

🚀 Careers in this path

Policy Analyst

Specialises in examining and evaluating public policies, often focusing on specific areas such as healthcare, education, or the environment, to provide recommendations for government or organisations.

Economic Researcher

Focuses on gathering and analysing economic data to inform reports and policy suggestions, often working within a think tank's economics or finance division.

Social Policy Researcher

Concentrates on researching social issues such as welfare, housing, or inequality, developing evidence-based policy solutions for think tanks and advisory groups.

Build Academic Foundations

Choose Relevant Subjects

Select A-levels or equivalent qualifications in subjects such as Politics, Economics, Sociology, History, or Geography.

Think tank research often requires strong analytical and writing skills, which are developed through humanities and social science subjects. Subjects like Maths or Statistics are also useful for quantitative research roles. Choosing these subjects will help you gain a good understanding of societal issues and critical thinking.

Complete a Relevant Degree

Pursue an undergraduate degree in a field like Politics, International Relations, Economics, Sociology, or a related discipline.

A bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement for research roles in think tanks. Look for courses that offer research methods modules, opportunities for independent study, and encourage critical analysis of texts and data. Universities may also offer placements or internships with policy organisations.

Gain Research Experience

Pursue Internships and Volunteering

Apply for internships, volunteering opportunities, or summer placements with think tanks, research institutes, or related organisations.

Internships provide practical experience in data collection, literature reviews, and policy analysis. Many think tanks in the UK offer structured internship programmes for students and graduates. Volunteering with relevant charities or advocacy groups can also provide useful experience.

Develop Research Skills

Learn to use research tools, data analysis software, and improve your report writing abilities.

Familiarity with software like Excel, SPSS, or qualitative analysis tools will be valuable. Universities often provide training in these areas, or you can enroll in short online courses. Practising writing clear, concise reports and summaries is essential for success in this field.

Specialise and Network

Consider Postgraduate Study

Undertake a master’s degree or PhD in your chosen area of research to deepen your expertise.

For more senior or specialised research positions, a postgraduate qualification can be important. This could be a taught master’s or a research degree in a subject aligned with your interests, such as public policy, economics, or social research methods.

Build a Professional Network

Attend conferences, join professional associations, and connect with researchers and policy experts.

Networking can help you learn about new research, job opportunities, and gain mentorship. Organisations such as the Academy of Social Sciences or the Political Studies Association often have events and resources for early-career researchers.

Apply for Researcher Roles

Look for entry-level researcher positions at think tanks, policy institutes, or research consultancies.

Check websites of well-known think tanks such as the Institute for Public Policy Research, Chatham House, or the Resolution Foundation for job openings. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your research experience, subject expertise, and communication skills.

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Researcher (Think Tank) typically conducts in-depth analysis and original research to inform policy or academic understanding, which closely aligns with the role of a Research scientist. Both roles involve rigorous investigation, data collection, and interpretation within a specialised field.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You usually need a first or 2:1 (upper second class) degree in a science subject to become a research scientist. Most research scientists continue to study for a postgraduate qualification like a PhD.

You could study on an integrated postgraduate master's course. These courses include independent research and are designed to lead directly on to a PhD.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a degree apprenticeship if you want to work in a particular field of scientific research.

Apprenticeships include:

  • Scientist Level 6
  • Biomedical Scientist Level 6
  • Nuclear Scientist Level 6
  • Materials Science Technologist Level 6
  • Clinical Scientist Level 7

You could also do a Research Scientist Level 7 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to postgraduate study.

These apprenticeships can take between 3 and 5 years to complete.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

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Work

It may be possible to start as a research assistant or graduate industrial scientist. You would usually need to study part time for a PhD while you work.

UK Research and Innovation and industrial companies sometimes offer studentships. This would give you the opportunity to do a PhD while getting practical research experience.

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Career tips

It may improve your chances of finding work if you've got work experience in a research department, or your degree included a placement in a research environment.

As a graduate, you could look for postgraduate training opportunities offered through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP). In a KTP you would get the opportunity to run a research project together with an organisation and a university or research body.

Further information

You can get advice about research careers from the Science Council and professional bodies for particular scientific fields, such as:

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