The Social Policy Research Foundation (SPRF) has invited applications for the position of Research Associate. The role is a full-time position based in a hybrid work setting in Delhi NCR and is intended for candidates with academic backgrounds in social sciences, public policy, economics, political science, international relations, or related disciplines. The position involves contributing to research outputs, supporting project execution, and participating in policy-oriented analytical work across governance and public affairs themes.
About Social Policy Research Foundation
The Social Policy Research Foundation is a public policy think tank headquartered in New Delhi that focuses on evidence-based and non-partisan research across governance, economy, environment, human rights, and security-related policy issues. The organisation works with early-career researchers and policy professionals to produce analytical outputs that contribute to public discourse and institutional understanding of contemporary policy challenges.
SPRF’s research work has appeared in platforms such as The Hindu, Business Line, The Quint, and The Diplomat, reflecting its engagement with national and international policy conversations. The institution produces issue briefs, discussion papers, multimedia content, and long-term research reports addressing emerging governance questions and regulatory developments in India.
The Research Associate role forms part of SPRF’s research team and supports both independent publications and collaborative policy initiatives undertaken by the organisation.
Position Overview
The Research Associate position involves assisting the research team in producing analytical outputs related to governance and public policy. Selected candidates are expected to contribute to commentary papers, issue briefs, discussion documents, and multimedia-based research dissemination formats.
The role also includes participation in proposal development for long-term research projects, coordination with internal teams working on policy initiatives, and support for institutional research dissemination activities. Research Associates may also assist in editorial responsibilities connected with SPRF’s publication initiatives and curated research platforms.
Candidates working in this role typically engage with interdisciplinary subject areas and support ongoing institutional research programmes involving multiple stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities associated with the Research Associate position include research development, project coordination, editorial contributions, and institutional engagement support. Specific tasks may include:
- Producing original research outputs such as issue briefs and discussion papers
- Supporting preparation of commentary pieces and analytical publications
- Contributing to audio-visual policy dissemination content including podcasts and research explainers
- Assisting in literature reviews and background research for long-term research proposals
- Supporting identification of potential collaborators, partners, and donors for institutional research initiatives
- Participating in internal brainstorming sessions on new policy research themes
- Reviewing draft publications prepared by the research team
- Assisting with coordination of institutional events and conferences
- Supporting representation activities during external policy engagements
- Contributing to editorial coordination under the Curated Voices Project
These responsibilities may vary depending on project requirements and institutional research priorities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social sciences, economics, political science, public policy, international relations, or related academic disciplines. The role is suited for candidates with strong academic exposure to governance and policy research themes.
Candidates with one to two years of prior research experience in think tanks, academic institutions, or non-profit organisations may be preferred. Experience in preparing research reports, policy briefs, or analytical commentary is considered relevant for this position.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate familiarity with research methodologies, including qualitative or quantitative approaches used in policy research environments.
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Required Skills and Competencies
Candidates applying for the Research Associate position are expected to demonstrate analytical writing ability and familiarity with structured research practices. Skills relevant to this role include:
- Strong policy research and analytical writing skills
- Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methodologies
- Ability to prepare structured policy documentation
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication
- Ability to work independently and within collaborative research teams
- Organisational skills for managing multiple research assignments
- Attention to detail in drafting and reviewing policy outputs
Knowledge of research tools such as SPSS, STATA, or R may be considered an additional advantage for candidates working on data-supported policy analysis projects.
Working Structure and Reporting Framework
The Research Associate position follows a hybrid working structure based in Delhi NCR. The role operates within standard institutional working hours from Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Selected candidates will report directly to the Research Team Lead and maintain coordination with senior leadership including the Founder-Director and Deputy Director. The reporting structure reflects the collaborative nature of SPRF’s policy research environment.
Research Associates may participate in both independent research assignments and team-based policy initiatives depending on institutional project requirements.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to submit the following documents:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Samples of previous research work
Applications must be sent to:
Applicants should mention the subject line:
Research Associate – Your Name
Application Deadline
Last date to apply: April 20, 2026
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