The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
Since the global financial crisis of 2008, the UK economy has stagnated, with productivity growth falling to virtually zero whilst real house prices have risen by 20%. Why is this and what are the implications for households and the wider economy? In this project we bring together disparate branches of economics to help us understand the important, yet largely unexplored, relationship between house prices and productivity.
You will contribute to the macroeconomic aspect of our project, modelling the link between house prices and productivity from both an empirical and a theoretical point of view. The project will run for 24 months starting 3 November 2025.
We seek self-motivated, innovative and creative candidates with a PhD in economics (or equivalent experience), expertise in macroeconomic modelling, and experience in macroeconometric and/or time series data analysis, along with excellent communication skills, and an ability to work independently and in a team.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Undertake literature reviews relevant to the project scope.
- Construct the relevant macroeconomic and house price datasets for the project from a variety of secondary data sources.
- Assist in the empirical analysis of the relationship between house prices and productivity and carry out analysis identifying bubbles in house prices.
- Assist in the theoretical modelling of the link between house prices and productivity, assist in writing solution code for DSGE models and assist in the subsequent estimation of the model.
- Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
- Prepare papers for journals and presentations at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
- Actively contribute to a culture in the research group and wider School where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and are able to flourish professionally or academically.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria |
Essential or desirable |
Stage(s) assessed at |
A PhD in Economics, preferably in macroeconomics (or equivalent experience). |
Desirable |
Application |
Experience of data analysis to a high academic standard. |
Essential |
Interview/Application |
Experience of time series and/or macroeconometric methods using R, MATLAB, Gauss or equivalent. |
Essential |
Interview/Application |
Experience of macroeconomic modelling using MATLAB, Dynare or equivalent. |
Essential |
Interview/Application |
Good time management skills |
Essential |
Interview/Application |
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations. |
Essential |
Interview/Application |
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving. |
Essential |
Interview/Application |
Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities, both individually and in conjunction with other team members. |
Essential |
Interview/Application |
Proven ability to prioritise effectively, managing ad hoc tasks as well as longer-term work. |
Essential |
Interview/Application |
Further Information
Grade |
7 |
Salary |
£38,784 - £41,064 |
Work arrangement |
Full-time |
Duration |
3 November 2025 – 31 October 2027 |
Line manager |
Group Leader |
Direct reports |
N/A |
Our website |
https://sheffield.ac.uk/economics |
For informal enquiries about this job, contact Christoph Thoenissen: on c.thoenissen@sheffield.ac.uk or 0114 222 3320 |
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on either Wednesday 8 or Wednesday 15 October 2025. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing week commencing 29 September 2025. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Janine Wilson, j.l.birch@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.