Senior Economist - TechnologyPublic First·London·Hybrid
Job Description
ABOUT PUBLIC FIRST
Public First is a policy, research, opinion and strategy consultancy. We work with global companies, governments, start ups, institutions and foundations around the world to tackle major public policy and strategic challenges.
We are part think tank, part strategic consultancy, part polling company, and part communications agency. In other words, we bring together the different disciplines that make policy happen and work.
Our recent projects have included:
Helping Google quantify their economic and social impact in over 20 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and North America.
Examining the future of British media and entertainment with Sky.
Running the Hybrid Work Commission on the economic and policy impact of the shift towards more flexible working
Measuring the economic impact of Uber in over 15 countries, including in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
We take an analytical approach to research, deploying economic modelling, data analysis, and opinion research to shape effective policy, create strategy and deliver communications with impact. We work with some of the world’s leading organisations on topics including tech, climate change, Industrial Strategy and education, exploring questions such as:
What will the impact be of AI be on the economies of countries across the world?
How will the rise of autonomous vehicles change mobility? What will the spillover impact be on local economies?
How can we accelerate the development of infrastructure to support growth and sustainability across the UK?
We are currently looking to recruit a Senior Economist, specialising in Tech Economics, to help build and scale our Economics, Modelling and Impact practice.
Public First is part of SHGH, a group of cross-border advisory firms, guiding clients through an unprecedented period of change in policy, politics, regulation, and sustainable growth.
THE ROLE
In this role, you would:
lead on the design, implementation and write up on new economic modelling projects, primarily working with tech clients (typically covering AI and datacentres as policy areas of focus)
work to build our wider data practice, and support our work in impact measurement, policy design, polling and opinion research
help bring in new clients and projects for the team with a tech focus
The right candidate will have:
Extensive experience with quantitative research (e.g. input-output modelling, contingent valuation etc)
Strong written communication skills
Demonstrated interest in public policy, specifically on the impact of AI and other emerging technologies
Experience with client engagement and project management, ideally in a consulting environment
While not essential, we are highly interested in candidates with any of the following particular experience or interests:
Green Book compliant appraisal
The economic impact of AI on economic growth and the labour market
Energy system modelling
Coding in Python or R
Previous experience working with large tech firms
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Starting salaries range from £60,000 to £80,000, subject to experience
25 days annual holiday with additional office closure days
A discretionary annual bonus, based on personal and business performance
Enhanced company pension contribution of 5% of annual salary
Private healthcare cover, inclusive of dental and optical (after probation)
An enhanced family leave package
Bike and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
An employee assistance programme with 24/7 access to online, phone or face-to-face counselling.
We are based in Central London, close to several public transport links and for anyone who prefers to cycle in we offer bike storage and showers on site.
We encourage a mix of home and office-based working.
We value diversity and encourage applications from all groups. Many of us, including the founders, have young children and we work hard to be family friendly. International travel and work would be possible for future projects.
HOW TO APPLY
This application will involve a short test prior to the interview which should take no longer than three hours. We will be interviewing on an ongoing basis, and looking for successful candidates to start as possible.
Please follow the instructions after clicking "Apply for this job", and submit the application no later than midnight on 1st July 2026.
Successful candidates will be invited to attend a virtual interview.
The final candidates will then be invited to an in-person interview at our office in Westminster.