Senior Researcher

Senior Researcher

Lead the research agenda and mentor a team at a New Delhi think tank focused on governance, economy, and human rights

Location: New Delhi (Hybrid)
Experience: 5+ years in research or policy
Compensation: Competitive
Closes on: December 19, 2025

SPRF India

SPRF India (Social and Political Research Foundation) is a New Delhi based think tank that takes a data driven, non partisan approach to public policy. They cover a wide canvas, looking at everything from governance and the economy to human rights, security, and the environment. Their mission is to shape policy narratives that truly reflect the aspirations of a young, vibrant India by engaging directly with the next generation of researchers to foster innovative ideas.

Role

As a Senior Researcher, you will step into a leadership position where you guide the research agenda and mentor a team of junior analysts. This role sits at the intersection of academic rigor and strategic relationship building, allowing you to influence policy discourse while managing the lifecycle of complex projects.

Responsibilities

  • Mentor and guide the research team, providing expertise on methodologies and overseeing multiple project timelines to ensure high quality output.
  • Design and direct the research agenda to ensure it aligns with organizational goals and manages the flow of information to the communications team.
  • Oversee the production of at least eight edited publications each quarter, supporting both individual and team led initiatives.
  • Build and strengthen relationships with policymakers, funders, and stakeholders to expand the network and impact of the work.
  • Act as a thought leader in focus areas, offering expert insights and contributing to wider policy discussions.
  • Assist in writing research proposals and identifying funding opportunities to support new initiatives.
  • Serve as a bridge between the research team and external contributors, including fellows and guest authors.

Requirements

  • A Master’s or PhD in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, International Relations, or a related field.
  • Over 5 years of research experience, preferably within think tanks or policy focused roles.
  • Proven expertise in managing complex projects and leading research teams.
  • A strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
  • Proficiency in statistical tools such as STATA or R is considered an advantage.
  • A solid record of publications, including policy papers and journal articles.
  • Experience with fundraising, grant writing, and managing donor relations is preferred.

Apply

Interested candidates should email the following with the subject line “Senior Researcher - [Your Name].”

  • A resume
  • Cover letter
  • Samples of published work

Priority will be given to individuals from underrepresented communities and those with a specific focus on policy and social issues.

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