Senior Behavioural Scientist

The Behavioral Economics Group; Wales; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000

Job description

Glasgow/ Cardiff / London, United Kingdom

At the forefront of shaping consumer behaviour in the energy sector, Ofgem is harnessing behavioural science to combat some of the most pressing challenges of our time. We're looking for a Senior Behavioural Scientist to join us and apply cutting-edge insights to inform policy, optimise market interventions, and drive better outcomes for consumers.

Ofgem is Great Britain's independent energy regulator. We're at the forefront of change across the energy sector, driving toward Net Zero whilst protecting energy consumers - especially vulnerable people.

We're offering a 12-month fixed-term contract with the chance to apply your expertise in behavioural science within a high-profile and fast-moving policy environment. You'll be part of a well-established function known for its leadership in behavioural insights, working on innovative projects that will help shape the future of the energy market. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to translate behavioural research into meaningful regulatory and consumer outcomes.

You'll lead high-impact behavioural research projects, bringing your experience in trial design and online experimentation to continue to grow our ability to provide behaviourally informed empirical evidence through in-house online and field experiments. You will design and test interventions that influence real-world energy consumption and consumer engagement, and work alongside policy teams to embed behavioural science into decision-making.

We're looking for someone with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, experience in behavioural research, and the ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences. You'll need a solid grounding in behavioural science or behavioural economics, as well as experience designing and delivering behavioural experiments and research methodologies.

At Ofgem, you'll join a collaborative and inclusive workplace, where behavioural insights play a key role in shaping regulatory policy. This is your chance to work on real-world challenges, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to the transition towards a more flexible and sustainable energy market.

We have a critical purpose to embed behavioural science in policy and regulation, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based, consumer-focused, and effective. Your work will help drive innovation in the energy sector, supporting consumers and businesses in making smarter, more sustainable choices.

Responsibilities

• Delivery: Lead the delivery of high-quality behavioural research/projects to provide evidence that helps Ofgem to deliver on its strategic priorities, ensuring effective project management and quality assurance.
• Stakeholder engagement/influencing: Build strong, effective relationships, collaborating with policy teams across Ofgem to use behavioural science and/or economics to answer complex questions. Build relationships with external stakeholders to maximise partnership and collaboration opportunities e.g. ensure Ofgem benefits from behavioural science research conducted by academia.
• Communication/impact: Draft clear and concise documents, including briefings, reports, and presentations and present work at internal forums. Help build capability and raise visibility of Behavioural Science in Ofgem. Increase Ofgem's impact as a regulatory leader in Behavioural Science by representing Ofgem at external events, conferences etc to showcase the work of behavioural science in Ofgem.
• Innovation: Keep abreast of advances in the field of Behavioural Science and how this can be applied in Ofgem.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience of behavioural research and statistical analysis (including designing and programming online experiments, other experimental and quasi-experimental methods and literature reviews) with proven experience of personally delivering online experiments (LEAD)
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of behavioural science and/or behavioural economics with an up to date understanding of the key literature (LEAD)
• Experience of applying behavioural science in a real-world setting (e.g. in a regulatory, government, academia or consultancy role)
• Ability to distil complex subject matter into relevant messages for different audiences - both orally and in writing, combined with excellent drafting skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Applied experience of wider qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
• Understanding of energy policy issues - particularly around retail markets and Net Zero.