ESCR Graduate Placements

Starting Salary: £20, 684 per annum (pay award pending)

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's largest funding agency for research and postgraduate training relating to social and economic issues. It supports independent, high quality research relevant to the business, public and third sectors.

The ESRC is offering graduate placements for 9 to 12 months from September 2009 - September 2010. The positions will be based in Swindon and open to graduates who have achieved a 2:1 degree or above in social sciences (including Economics, Management Studies, International Relations, Development Studies, Social Policy, Psychology, Geography, Education, and Sociology) by the time the placement begins. An additional placement for graduates in Communications, PR or Media will also be available.

This is an opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired during your degree as well as to gain new skills.

Graduates employed on the scheme will be expected to undertake a combination of two 3-6 month placements within different directorates. The placement will provide graduates with a good understanding of the organisation and consist of a variety of the following tasks:

• review research reports and provide background information to plan new initiatives
• conduct surveys and analyse the results
• summarise the findings of previous research for a variety of audiences, from academic to the general public
• support specific campaigns to disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences
• assist with the organisation of events, such as seminars and workshops
• write up case studies of good practice
• support the development of networks with a variety of stakeholders, through surveys, mailouts and web searches
• write reports and articles for internal and external use, including contributing to newsletters and corporate publications

In addition to a good academic record, applicants should be able to demonstrate strong analytical skills, good written and communication skills, flexibility, ability to meet deadlines and work effectively in a team.

An in-depth corporate induction and on-the-job training will be provided.

For further information and to apply please visit our website: www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk/ESRCInfoCentre/about/appointments or telephone 01793 867000 quoting reference IRC531.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 22 April 2009.