RAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. We realise our mission by undertaking objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.

 

RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge and Brussels, and employs approximately 140 researchers: just over half of our research staff have doctorates with the balance holding other post-graduate degrees. Our work lies on the continuum between that of universities and consultancies, combining the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task orientated approach of consultancies. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence-based research, RAND Europe is a values-driven organisation, and our experience shows that our most successful researchers closely align their behaviours with our value set.

 

The Home Affairs and Social Policy Research Group undertakes contract research and analysis in a range of public policy areas: crime and justice (including responses to offending, international law enforcement cooperation, organised crime and illicit markets); education (including early childhood education and care, school effectiveness); employment and social policy (including skills, employability, gender equality, child and family policy). We have an extensive portfolio of work with the EU, national governments, charitable foundations and others. We collaborate widely with like-minded academic and other organisations across Europe and with colleagues based in RAND’s U.S. offices. We employ robust methods and offer multi-disciplinary perspectives.

 

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a truly multidisciplinary team in one of the world’s most respected public policy research organisations. We are looking for an exceptional candidate at Research Analyst level to grow our team of social policy researchers. As a Research Analyst you will address complex policy questions by conducting research and analysis on behalf of our clients and support the team in submitting proposals and managing and delivering multiple projects in a timely and accurate manner.

 

We are particularly looking for a researcher with experience in conducting quantitative research, including experimental or quasi experimental approaches, cost-benefit analysis, and other statistical analysis methods. The role is ideally suited to an individual with experience in managing and/or conducting quantitative research studies and/or consultancy projects.

 

We invite applications from individuals with a background in any of the following topics: education, crime and justice, employment and social inclusion, child and family policy. The successful candidate would be actively encouraged to contribute to a broad range of research across the Home Affairs team and the organisation as a whole.

 

We welcome applications from candidates who would like to work part-time or full time.

 

The role is based in our Cambridge office. However, we are working flexibly as an organisation asking candidates to attend the office twice weekly. 

• Manages projects, with some supervision, including monitoring budget, timetable and deliverables, delegating work and providing feedback
• Delivers high-quality quantitative research by:
  • Drafting data collection tools
  • Comfortable working with large datasets, including data cleaning, data manipulation, linking multiple datasets and other activities to prepare data for analysis
  • Undertaking analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
  • Preparing presentations and research briefs
• Drafts sections of reports with minimal supervision
• Maintains day-to-day contact with collaborators, clients and funders
• Contributes to impact by identifying opportunities for communication of research findings
• Analysing calls for tender to identify proposal requirements and help organise responses
• Manages small proposals
• Drafts sections of proposals
• Supports business development activities
• Supports strategic corporate initiatives
• Ad hoc duties as required.

• Quantitative research methods
  • Ability to work with data using statistical software packages such as R and Stata.
  • A background in research with a focus on quantitative social research, statistical methods and data science.
  • Comfortable working with data, including data cleaning, data manipulation, linking multiple datasets and other activities to prepare data for analysis.
  • Basic understanding of, and some experience with, different analytical approaches and modelling techniques, which could include: linear regression, experimental and quasi-experimental analysis, cost-benefit analysis
• Intermediate or advanced knowledge of statistical packages such as R or STATA
• Experience managing research projects
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Fluency in English
• Intermediate Word
• Intermediate Excel
• Intermediate PowerPoint

 

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent relevant professional experience

- 8% Employer contribution pension
- BUPA medical insurance
- Income protection
- Group life assurance
- Employee Assistance scheme
- Enhanced holiday allowance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Fresh fruit every day
- Free parking
- Cycle to work scheme
- Company bikes
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
 
Salary
Starting from £30,000 per annum

If you feel that you have the qualities to be a part of our team please submit an application via the RAND Europe’s online careers portal. You application will need to consist of a CV and covering letter submitted as one document (only applications with both documents submitted will be considered).

 

Please note, if selected for interview a short writing sample may be requested. 

 

Closing date for applications is Friday 23rd June, if you have not received a response within one month of the closing date, your application has not been successful.