RAND is a not-for-profit research institute with over 30 years of experience in conducting policy research for governments, international organisations, research councils, charitable foundations, and other organisations. We believe that good research helps shape sound answers to pressing societal challenges, ultimately making communities safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous in the future. RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge, Brussels and The Hague and employs approximately 180 staff.

The Defence, Security and Justice Research Group undertakes contract research and analysis in a range of public policy areas. At present in in the UK, we are looking for a Research Leader in our Crime, Drug Policy and Justice work stream. This includes topics such as policing, prisons, youth offending, drug use, supply and regulation, vulnerable offenders, cybercrime and online hate, and serious organised crime and corruption.

Our recent work in the UK includes studies for the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, The Department of Health and Social Care and various charitable foundations.

Our projects are diverse in nature, including evaluations of criminal justice policies and programmes (randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental impact evaluations, process evaluations and economic evaluations), evidence syntheses and international comparisons. We encourage applications from those with training and expertise in one of several of these methods and approaches.

You will have the opportunity to work alongside renowned experts on projects with national and international reach and conduct cutting-edge research using a variety of methods. You will be able to drive positive change by translating research into clear, actionable policy recommendations.

The successful candidate will thrive on teamwork and collaboration with colleagues and research funders, take an active role in project management, and be keen to grow a body of work through active business development and proposal writing.

The role is ideally suited to an individual who is committed to applying a mixed methods approach to drive impact in policy and decision-making. Demonstrable experience of working on multiple projects in parallel and communicating with decision-makers in government, industry, academia, and wider policy communities is highly desirable. 

Key responsibilities

Your primary role will be to design, manage, and lead research and analysis on complex policy questions on behalf of our clients. You will work as part of our wider research team to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest quality standards.

Specifically, the Research Leader role will involve:

• Identifying business development opportunities and acting on them.
• Leading projects to deliver high quality work within available time and resources.
• Research design, selection of appropriate analytical approaches, undertaking qualitative and quantitative data collection and reporting findings.
• Maintaining regular communication with collaborators, clients, and funders to ensure project success.
• Preparing clear and concise presentations and research briefs for policymakers and other audiences.
• Identifying opportunities to disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, etc.
• Supporting strategic corporate initiatives aligned with RAND Europe's mission.
• Ad hoc duties as required.

Essential experience

Management

• Experience in managing research projects in professional services or public sector domains.
• Experience in managing project teams, developing junior researchers and coordinating project resources.
• Experience in managing limited portfolio of projects within subject matter expertise.
• Track record of undertaking research for policy and/or practitioner audiences.

Commercial awareness

• Experience drafting and leading proposals that secure research funding in competitive environments.
• Experience of effectively managing small to medium-sized project budgets.

Personal skills and experience

• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise work.
• Ability to work flexibly and to deadlines.
• Ability to effectively process large amounts of information, translate and presenting complex research findings to policy, practice, and lay audiences.
• Strong team player who enjoys working with others and collaborating across research areas and with partners.

Thematic expertise

• Expertise in at least one of the following thematic areas: organised crime, illicit markets, criminal justice, policing, prisons, vulnerable offenders
• Agility to work across other topic areas within the portfolio of the Defence, Security and Justice research group.

Fluency in English

Eligible for UK security clearance

IT skills

• Intermediate Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Desirable Experience

• Familiarity and experience of working with UK government and other clients in the crime and justice space.
• Familiarity and experience with international research funders, including the EU
• Proficiency in other languages
• Expert use of statistical software packages (e.g., STATA, R, SAS) and relevant programming languages (e.g., Python).
• Experience with (quasi-)experimental evaluation designs

• Pension - 8% Employer contribution;

• 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
• Annual salary review;
• BUPA medical insurance;
• Generous company sick pay;
• Enhanced family friendly policies;
• Group income protection scheme;
• Group life assurance;
• Compassionate leave;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Employee wellbeing training and support;
• Fresh fruit every day;
• Free on-site parking;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Access to company bikes;
• Service awards.

How to Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is 13th April 2025.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.