Ref Number
B04-07637
Professional Expertise
Research and Research Support
Department
UCL BEAMS (B04)
Location
London
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£36,433-£41,833
Contract Type
Fixed-term
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
25-Sept-2026
About the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP)
The Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) at University College London (UCL) brings together cutting-edge academic theory with teaching and policy practice, to rethink the role of the state in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing society. IIPP challenges traditional economic thinking, with the goal of creating, nurturing and evaluating public value in order to achieve growth that is more innovation-led, inclusive and sustainable. A key pillar of IIPP’s research is its understanding of markets as outcomes of the interactions between different actors. Through ‘practice based theorizing’ we link theory, policy and education. IIPP’s work feeds into innovation and industrial policy, macroeconomic and financial reform, institutional change and sustainable development. IIPP is a department within UCL – and part of The Bartlett, ranking number one in the world for architecture and the built environment in the world. www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/public-purpose
This job description may be reviewed and be subject to amendment in consultation with the postholder.
About the project:
Professor Mariana Mazzucato is the Principal Investigator of a research project on the Public Value of Arts and Culture (PVAC). This is an applied research initiative that looks at arts and culture not as peripheral to the economy but a precondition for its transformation. Arts and culture can shape the direction of growth, renew democratic participation, and generate long-term public value. PVAC examines these issues through new valuation methods, policy designs, and high-level convening of global cultural and economic leaders. Already working with the UK Government, Brazil’s Ministry of Culture, and leading cultural institutions, PVAC aims to build the evidence base and policy architecture to appropriately recognise and govern the public value of arts and culture. The programme builds on applied work with Carnival ecosystems in the UK and Brazil, and with cultural institutions including the Whitechapel Gallery and V&A East.
Appointment
This appointment is available for 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of extension, starting immediately.
- Conducting research and literature reviews on the public value of arts and culture, with primary focus on the Carnival Economics case study and supporting comparative analysis with cultural institutions.
- Providing drafting support for policy notes, reports, briefs, and other written outputs across PVAC workstreams.
- Supporting the synthesis and analysis of evidence gathered through the Carnival Economics fieldwork (led by partner teams), helping translate findings into research outputs and policy-relevant materials.
- Preparing background materials, briefings, and monitoring relevant policy developments in arts and culture to support high-level meetings, convenings, and the PVAC Working Group.
- Assisting with coordination work related to meetings relevant for the project.
Additional responsibilities will include:
- Supporting communications and social media activities related to PVAC research outputs, working with the IIPP communications team.
- Providing logistical support for meetings, workshops, and events, including planning, attendance, note-taking, and documenting action items.
- Supporting stakeholder outreach and contributing to the preparation of convenings, including the PVAC Working Group and policy briefings with government and cultural sector partners.
- Maintaining accurate records, bibliographies, and documentation across PVAC workstreams, supporting the Research Fellow and Programme Manager in tracking deliverables and milestones.
- Supporting the Research Fellow and Programme Manager with any other research or project tasks as needed, within the scope and spirit of the PVAC programme.
Other Duties
- Participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required.
- Carry out other duties as requested by the Project Manager or line manager, within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job.
Note to job applicant: copy and paste the following essential criteria into your “Statement in support of your application” and describe underneath each criteria how you meet it, giving examples.
Qualifications, experience and knowledge
- A background in economics, social science, cultural studies, public policy, or a related field, economic thinking, political economy, or equivalent research or policy experience.
- Research or policy experience, including the ability to conduct literature reviews, synthesise findings, and produce clear written outputs.
- Demonstrable Interest in the public value of arts and culture, mission-oriented innovation, and common good economics, with an ability to connect theoretical and applied work.
Skills and abilities
- Excellent ability to draft clear and insightful briefing notes and research summaries.
- Excellent research skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
- Strong organisational skills, including maintaining accurate records, managing priorities, and working methodically across multiple tasks.
- Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to support senior meetings and engagements.
- Proactive approach to seeking feedback and demonstrating flexibility to support work across different areas.
- Planning effectively so that work is delivered on time and others are not delayed.
- Experience with one or more of the following thematic areas: arts and culture policy; Carnival or diaspora cultural ecosystems; cultural economics or valuation; industrial strategy; or green and inclusive economic policy.
UCL Ways of Working
- Using evidence and quality data to support approaches
- Anticipating issues and adjusting approaches when necessary
- Making best practice an absolute priority
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-Site nursery On-site gym Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
