Make a difference through research
Do you want a career that’s genuinely rewarding, where the work you do has a positive impact on society?
At IFF, we invest in developing exceptional researchers. You’ll build strong research skills while learning from experts with unrivalled policy and sector knowledge.
Our award-winning trainee research programme gives you the chance to work across different teams, sectors and research methods, helping you build the experience, confidence and skills for a successful career. Along the way, you’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team where you’ll be encouraged to learn, grow and enjoy the journey.
Why join our trainee research programme?
Fun and welcoming culture
A place where you can truly be you. Where you can choose how, when and where you work. Where you can build great friendships and join the fun.
Opportunities for development
From an initial 3-week programme to build solid foundations, to ongoing training and extensive on-the-job learning.
Great benefits
Competitive starting salary of £29,250, with yearly bonus potential, on top of a generous benefits package including a four-day week.
Setting you up for success
When you join our team as a trainee researcher, you’ll spend your first three weeks working through our training project. This programme is accredited by the Market Research Society and was awarded a Princess Royal Training Award from HRH The Princess Royal and City and Guilds, recognising outstanding commitment to learning and development.
As part of this programme, you’ll be walked through each and every step of the research process. From understanding the research purpose and using the right questions, to analysing the data and reporting your findings.
You’ll be part of a group of new trainees, learning together with the opportunity to “have a go” at all stages in our interactive training sessions.
Your first year is all about developing your experience and skill and you’ll rotate round our three research teams, gaining valuable insight and exposure to the variation across our different business sectors. You’ll also take part in a wide range of internal and external training to help you along the way!
Life at IFF
We offer an inclusive, vibrant, and supportive place to work, bringing our team together in a way that caters to all. We have groups covering different interests including: craft, book, football and running clubs. As well as summer meet-ups for cricket and rounders. Plus, theatre trips and team days outside the office. Most importantly, whether or not you choose to join in, everyone is welcome at IFF.
Our committees also play a significant role in our culture, and we encourage participation from across the team. We have a Wellbeing group that focuses on awareness and support for physical and mental health, as well as an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee dedicated to ensuring that IFF remains inclusive and diverse.
All sounds good, right? Well, if you also want to hear why we’re the place for you first-hand, we caught up with Emma, a former trainee, for some quick-fire questions about life at IFF. Check it out below.
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“The trainee programme really kick-started my career in research. Starting something new can feel overwhelming, but the programme explained everything I needed to know. Everyone was so friendly and happy to answer questions. The training broke the research process into clear steps, and working with a cohort made it easier to figure things out together. Plus, loads of people at IFF had done the programme, so it was easy to connect with everyone.”
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Jamie Pitchford,
Research Manager
