Founded in 1977, the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) is one of the world's leading think tanks.
Independent, non-profit and non-partisan, we work to promote free markets and economics, through research, publishing, media outreach, and public education. We inject sound ideas into public debate and help shift the climate of opinion.
The ASI has always been a practical think tank rather than a purely academic organization. Despite its strict political independence, it works with policymakers to deliver real change, and to make its ideas reality.
The UK is held back by restrictive planning regulations, punitive taxes on wealth creators and an inefficient, bloated state. Our policy research and educational programmes lead with free market principles in our mission to make Britain more prosperous and end poverty around the world.
About the Role
The ASI is looking for a student graduating in 2025 to join the team. We are open minded about the exact role the graduate would have in the ASI. The role will be shaped around the most promising candidate, with the available streams including Research, Communications, Operations, Digital and Data.
As a graduate, you would:
- Work closely with Research, Communications, Operations colleagues, and the Chief of Staff;
- Write policy papers, opinion articles, blog posts, press releases on key issues;
- Present findings and engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and media representatives;
- Represent the Institute publicly in print, broadcast, and social media (authoring op-eds, participating in live interviews and debates);
- Organise events, host annual lectures, and coordinate the annual flagship Freedom Week programme in Cambridge;
- Keep track of policy developments from the Government and Opposition parties, as well as the Civil Service and judiciary.
The list of responsibilities above is not exhaustive - the ASI is about making most of the opportunities presented and we are looking for the candidate with the highest entrepreneurial potential. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a high pressure environment, and will be rewarded with more responsibility and freedom than in a traditional policy institution
The Adam Smith Institute has always invested in young people at the earliest stages of their careers, propelling them into becoming prominent policymakers, legislators, journalists, and entrepreneurs.
What We're Looking For
We’re looking for someone entrepreneurial, proactive, self-motivated, and genuinely interested in shaping UK policy. You might have experience in the university societies, debating unions, a relevant undergraduate degree, parliamentary experience, or simply an active interest demonstrated through your own writing or other output.
We want you to be comfortable and eager to learn more about either data & statistics, digital media or the latest productivity tools (role dependent).
But please don’t be deterred if your background does not perfectly align to the role. However, some essential skills are:
- Excellent persuasive writing skills;
- Solid grasp of economics and public policy with the ability to clearly explain complex ideas;
- Genuine passion for economic growth and the ASI’s values;
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to deliver quality work at pace;
- Comfort with data analysis and interpretation;
- A personal communication style that aligns with the pedigree and spirit of the Institute (serious, Overton-window pushing policy analysis in a personable style);
- A drive to work in a highly entrepreneurial, self-driven, and collaborative environment, which often involves work beyond standard office hours;
- An eye for opportunities that scale;
- Willingness to appear in print and on media as a spokesperson (with our support and guidance);
- At least a 2.1 degree from a globally leading university.
What we offer
- Work within a small core team of six
- An office-first environment at the heart of Westminster, minutes away from the Houses of Parliament
- An empowering environment that will fast-track your career.
- An annual trip abroad somewhere sunny in late winter, which doesn’t count towards your Annual Leave allowance)
- Weekly opportunities to meet senior economic and political players, including MPs, Cabinet members, entrepreneurs, business leaders, journalists, and academics
- 25 days annual leave