Quantitative Senior Research Analyst - Defence Security and Justice

Rand Europe; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Research Analyst or Research Leader to join their Defence, Security and Justice Research Group. This role involves leading impactful policy research, utilizing advanced data science techniques, and influencing high-level government decision-making. The position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development. The successful candidate will engage in intellectually stimulating projects that tackle critical societal challenges, while benefiting from a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Pension - 8% Employer contribution

33 days holiday allowance

Annual salary review

BUPA medical insurance

Generous company sick pay

Enhanced family friendly policies

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Employee wellbeing training and support

Fresh fruit every day

Qualifications

• Proficiency in data science, ideally within defence and security policy.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead impactful policy research and mentor staff.
• Drive business development and project delivery.

Skills

Data Science

Statistical Analysis

Machine Learning

Causal Inference

Network Analysis

Presentation Skills

Project Management

Education

Higher Degree in a Quantitative Research Discipline

Tools

Data Visualization Tools

Data Management Software

Job description

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 approximately 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.

We are looking for a Senior Research Analyst or Research Leader to join our Defence, Security and Justice Research Group who can support our research and analysis activities across a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond, including UK government departments, EU institutions, national and international defence and security organisations, and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.

Our work covers a broad range of public policy issues across:

• Defence (defence strategy, policy, capability, and acquisition; defence economics; defence workforce and Armed Forces community)
• Security (terrorism; counter-violent extremism; human security; border security; energy security; resilience and cyber)
• Criminal Justice (rehabilitation and preventing crime; organised crime; law enforcement cooperation; drugs and illicit markets)

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping public policy research in defence and security, influencing high-level government decision-making in the UK, the European Union, and globally. This role offers the chance to engage in intellectually stimulating work within a dynamic and diverse team, tackling a broad spectrum of topics, and employing cutting-edge data science methods.

We welcome applications from a range of experience levels, from those slightly below to those exceeding our criteria.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and support impactful policy research, mentor staff, and expand our research scope.
• Utilise a broad range of data science skills and remain committed to continuous learning and methodological innovation.
• Drive business development and project delivery within the portfolio, emphasising the integration of quantitative research, manage proposals, and cultivate funding relationships.
• Coordinate complex projects, mentor a team of talented researchers, and drive the impact of our work through strategic communication and outreach.

• Demonstrated proficiency in data science, ideally within defence and security policy. (e.g., statistical analysis, machine learning, causal inference, simulation modelling, network analysis, econometrics, natural language processing, use of large language models etc.)
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting and team leadership.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and presentation abilities, with a knack for conveying complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• A track record of collaborative research and team motivation, with a focus on skills and career development.
• Higher Degree in a quantitative research discipline.
• Additional technical skills (e.g., general coding skills, data mining, dashboard and tool development, data management, data visualisation etc.).
• Ability to explain technical research to non-specialists and integrate it into mix-methods projects.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Personal Qualities:

• Strategic and analytical thinker with a practical perspective.
• Networking and presentation skills to foster relationships and secure funding.
• Team-oriented with a commitment to rigorous research and public service.
• Eagerness to learn, contribute to team development, and embrace new challenges.

This role is based in our Cambridge office, with a hybrid working model and occasional travel, primarily to London.

• 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.

Salary

Starting from £40,000 per annum for Senior Research Analyst

Starting from £50,000 per annum for Research Leader

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 deadline for applications is 01/06/25.

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