Research and Insight Analyst
About us
Lewis Silkin works with leading businesses to protect and enhance their most important assets: their ideas, their people, their brand and their future. We call it: Ideas. People. Possibilities.
With offices across the UK, Ireland and Hong Kong, we are recognised for our unique culture, market-leading practice areas, sector-focused approach and our ability to provide solutions to complex business challenges.
Our culture is guided by our values of Integrity, Clarity, Unity and Excellence (I-CUE). We aim to provide a supportive, inclusive environment in which our people can bring their full selves to work.
About the role
We are looking for an intellectually curious and motivated Research and Insights Analyst to join our Future of Work Hub, supporting the development and delivery of research, analysis and thought leadership exploring the forces reshaping the world of work.
Working closely with the Future of Work team leads, employment law partners, Knowledge Lawyers, BD teams, and colleagues across the firm, the successful candidate will help research, analyse and communicate the impact of political, economic, social, technological and regulatory developments on organisations, their workforces and the wider employment landscape.
The role offers an opportunity to contribute to a diverse programme of original research, publications, events and other thought leadership initiatives, exploring subjects such as artificial intelligence, demographic change, labour market transformation, workplace regulation, skills, organisational change and the evolving relationship between businesses and their employees.
The successful candidate will also support the delivery of the firm's flagship Future@Work research programme, combining desk research, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and engagement with business leaders and other stakeholders.
This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher who enjoys exploring complex issues, developing original insights and translating evidence into accessible, engaging content for professional audiences. The role will provide opportunities to develop research, analytical, editorial and communication skills while contributing to the firm's wider strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research, analysis and insights
- Conduct desk-based research into emerging trends affecting the future of work, drawing on academic literature, government publications, policy papers, think tank research, industry reports and other relevant sources.
- Monitor political, economic, technological, regulatory and societal developments, identifying emerging themes and their potential implications for employers and their workforces.
- Undertake literature reviews, comparative research and evidence synthesis to support the development of original insights and thought leadership.
- Prepare concise research briefings, summaries and background papers for colleagues across the firm.
- Support research with an international dimension, particularly concerning developments in the UK, EU and US.
2. Qualitative and quantitative research
- Support the design, coordination and delivery of original research projects, including the firm's annual Future@Work survey.
- Assist with the development and review of research questions, survey questionnaires and qualitative interview guides.
- Support the recruitment and coordination of research participants, including senior HR professionals, business leaders and other relevant stakeholders.
- Assist with qualitative interviews, including preparing background materials, taking notes, reviewing transcripts and identifying key themes.
- Support the analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative findings, identifying patterns, emerging issues and potential implications.
- Help translate research findings into clear, evidence-based conclusions and accessible outputs for professional audiences.
3. Events, podcasts, newsletters and other activities
- Support the preparation of the Hub’s two podcast series: Peer to Peer and In Conversation.
- Research and write for the Hub’s monthly newsletter rounding-up developments impacting the future of work, selecting and summarising the most relevant reports and content for the Hub’s subscriber base.
- Support the preparation of research-led events, webinars, panel discussions and podcasts.
- Prepare speaker briefings, background research, discussion questions and presentation materials.
- Assist with identifying relevant external developments, publications and speakers that could inform future content and engagement opportunities.
- Contribute to other research, writing and content development activities as required.
4. Writing, editing and content development
- Research, draft, edit and proofread original content, including articles, reports, policy briefings, research summaries and other thought leadership materials.
- Identify content and draft report summaries for the firm’s website and other channels.
- Support the development of flagship research publications, working with colleagues and contributors to ensure accuracy, clarity and consistency.
- Help translate complex research findings into clear, engaging and accessible narratives for different audiences.
- Adapt and repurpose existing research into shorter publications, executive summaries, presentation materials and other formats.
- Assist with factchecking, referencing and quality assurance across research and editorial outputs.
5. Research programme coordination
- Support the planning and delivery of research projects, helping coordinate timelines, meetings, contributions and deliverables.
- Maintain research trackers, project documentation, source materials and other relevant records.
- Assist with coordinating input and feedback from internal stakeholders, external contributors and research partners.
- Support the organisation and management of research data, findings and other materials, ensuring appropriate standards of accuracy, confidentiality and data protection.
- Contribute to the efficient delivery of multiple research and content workstreams.
6. Stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- Work collaboratively with employment law partners, Knowledge Lawyers, business development colleagues and other teams to support research and thought leadership activities.
- Assist with coordinating contributions from internal and external subject-matter experts.
- Support research collaboration with international colleagues and networks, including Ius Laboris.
- Help prepare research materials and briefings tailored to different stakeholders and audiences.
7. Research dissemination and impact
- Work with business development, marketing and communications colleagues to support the publication and dissemination of research findings.
- Assist with adapting research and insights into materials for client engagement, presentations, newsletters and other communications.
- Support the monitoring and evaluation of research engagement and impact, including gathering relevant audience metrics, feedback and examples of how research is being used.
- Contribute to identifying opportunities to increase the visibility, accessibility and practical application of the Hub's research.
About you
We welcome applicants with a strong interest in research, policy and the changing world of work. Candidates with interdisciplinary academic or professional backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply, reflecting the breadth of perspectives and expertise required to understand the complex political, economic, social and technological forces shaping the future of work.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate
- Experience undertaking research and analysing information, gained through academic study, internships, employment or other relevant activities.
- Evidence of strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, well-structured and accurate written work.
- Some familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods, with an interest in developing these skills further.
- Experience managing competing priorities, organising information and delivering work to deadlines.
- An interest in the political, economic, technological and societal developments shaping employment and organisations.
- Previous experience in policy research, academia, consulting, think tanks, professional services or related fields would be advantageous, but is not essential.
Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent research skills, including the ability to identify, evaluate and synthesise information from diverse sources.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to recognise patterns, question assumptions and draw evidence-based conclusions.
- Excellent written communication skills, with an ability to present complex ideas clearly and accurately to different audiences.
- An interest in the UK political, economic and policymaking landscape, alongside awareness of relevant international developments.
- Good organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, including the confidence to work with colleagues at different levels of seniority.
- Familiarity with common research and productivity tools, including Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- An interest in developing skills in data analysis, digital research tools and the responsible use of AI to support research and content development.
- A willingness to learn, respond constructively to feedback and develop greater independence over time.
Behaviours
- Intellectual curiosity: A genuine interest in understanding complex issues, exploring emerging developments and developing new ideas.
- Analytical rigour: A commitment to accuracy, evidence-based reasoning and high-quality research.
- Initiative and proactivity: A willingness to take ownership of assigned tasks, ask questions and contribute ideas.
- Collaboration: An ability to work constructively with colleagues and stakeholders, sharing knowledge and incorporating feedback.
- Adaptability: Flexibility and enthusiasm for working across different research topics, formats and projects.
- Results orientation: A commitment to delivering high-quality work within agreed timescales.
- Integrity and inclusion: A commitment to the values and ethos of Lewis Silkin, including diversity, inclusion and respect for others.
Additional Information
At Lewis Silkin our ethos is simple. We strive to do the best for our clients, our people and the communities in which we operate. We recognise that an inclusive workplace allows for all kinds of ideas and thoughts, a variety of points of view that can trigger discussions or deliver innovative results, and a wide range of versatile skills and expertise. We are proud of the diversity within Lewis Silkin and of our culture that allows people to be themselves at work, ensuring we provide the best possible service to our clients. We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process by supporting anyone who requires adjustments, in order to ensure they have the opportunity to perform at their best. All applicants will be considered equally and fairly. If you’d like to request any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, or would like to discuss flexible working patterns, please email the recruitment team in confidence (recruitment@lewissilkin.com).