Intellectual Property (IP) is integral to all our lives and everything that surrounds us. Have you ever wondered how a musician makes money? How pharmaceutical companies protect and develop their vaccines? And how you can support creative and innovative businesses in a competitive and changing global market?
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is responsible for both the operational and policy aspects of IP rights including patents, trade marks, designs and copyright. The IPO’s mission is to ensure that the full potential of ideas, knowledge and creativity is realised for the benefit of the economy and society. We promote innovation by providing a clear, accessible and widely understood IP system. The Economics, Research and Evidence (ERE) Team at the IPO is responsible for delivering robust evidence-based policy to underpin these goals.
We are recruiting two economists to fill C1 (SEO) posts. One of these roles is permanent and the other is a temporary 9-month position, also available on a fixed-term, loan or secondment. This role supports the development of economic evidence on the role of IP in the innovation process and its impact on the UK economy, stakeholders and IP rights holders. The postholder will work alongside other economists, analysts, statisticians and social researchers to conduct novel research within the ERE team. They will also work with academics, policy and operational colleagues to support evidenced-based policy making across different areas of IP rights.
Working Style
This role will be carried out in-line with IPO Hybrid working arrangements where staff are currently expected to spend at least 20% of their time working onsite from one of our offices. This role is based in our Newport & London Office.
The requirement for attendance at an office location can vary by role so we would encourage candidates to discuss working arrangements with the recruiting manager to agree a reasonable balance between working from home and the office.
The IPO holds a visa sponsor licence however; this role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. Candidates will therefore need to have an existing right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Job description
Main duties consist of but are not limited to:
- Supporting economic analysis across a range of IP policy areas. This may include copyright and AI, IP-backed finance, IP enforcement, amongst other priorities.
- Conducting proactive research that the ERE team produces and commissions. This includes focussing on innovative and high-growth sectors, such as tech and the creative industries.
- Responding to requests and commissions relating to (i) data the IPO holds, and (ii) external evidence that can inform the strategic needs of the IPO.
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Excellent knowledge of economic theory, and experience of applying this to produce robust economic analysis.
- Good understanding of statistics and research methods, with great communication skills to present analytical findings clearly.
- Great collaboration skills, including the ability to form effective working relationships with policy experts and a range of analytical professions.
- Strong capability to manage a diverse workload and adapt as priorities change.
You must be an existing badged member of the Government Economic Service or demonstrate that you have:
A first or upper second-class honours degree in economics (or international equivalent), or a postgraduate degree in economics. If it is a joint degree, at least 50% of the course modules must be in economics. You must have studied both macroeconomics and microeconomics.
Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 15th September 2026
