Research Scientist jobs in United Kingdom

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 195 staff.

We are looking for a Research Analyst/Senior Research Analyst to join our Defence, Security and Justice (DSJ) Research Group who will primarily support our work on China (link). The RAND Europe China Initiative (RECI) produces robust, high-quality research and actionable recommendations to support effective policies and practice relating to China, its policies and their implications for Europe and the UK. Across areas including defence, economics, science and technology, and energy, RECI combines deep country expertise and innovative research methods to inform effective policy responses.

The successful candidate should also be flexible and prepared to contribute to a variety of other topics across the DSJ Research Group. These include criminal justice, prisons and rehabilitation; defence economics and acquisition; defence policy, strategy, and capabilities; defence workforce and the armed forces community; drug policy; Russia and Eurasia; organised crime, corruption and illegal markets; security, resilience and migration.

RAND’s DSJ Research Group has 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. For an overview and examples of RAND’s recent work in this area, please see here.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping public policy research, 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 quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

The position will be based at our Cambridge office in the United Kingdom, with a requirement to attend the office at least twice a month. Occasional travel to London and other locations may be required.

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

• Coordinate and/or lead impactful policy research across the China portfolio, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. This includes drafting high-quality research reports with minimal supervision, working collaboratively with other project team members, and maintaining contact with clients.
• Contribute to and/or lead the development of competitive research proposals with minimal supervision, including through contributing to research design.
• Support the portfolio lead in strategic planning and business development, including identifying research opportunities and curating relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to fostering impact of our work through strategic communication (e.g. development of commentaries) and outreach (e.g. presentation at research conferences).
• Contribute to mentoring of junior team members and improvement of our methodological capabilities.

• Strong academic background in a relevant research discipline (e.g. area studies, international relations, international political economy, economics, war studies, history) with a China focus.
• Relevant professional work experience (excluding internships).
• Experience of working on China-related issues.
• Proven track record of conducting original research on China in Mandarin.
• Professional experience in applying a broad range of quantitative and qualitative research methods in either an academic or consultancy environment.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and presentation abilities, including conveying complex concepts to diverse, non-academic audiences.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, project planning and coordination of multiple concurrent research projects.
• A track record of collaborative research and team motivation, with a focus on skills and career development.
• Excellent command of English language.
• Proficient command of Mandarin language – at least HSK4 or equivalent.
• Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Additional Requirements for the Senior Research Analyst position

• Extensive relevant professional work experience.
• A proven track record of identifying opportunities, developing proposals, and successfully securing research funding or contracts, either independently or as part of a team.
• Good understanding and knowledge of the UK and EU policy context and priorities, particularly as they relate to China.

Highly Desirable

• Expertise in quantitative research methods and relevant technical skills (e.g. use of statistical software, data visualisation).
• Complementary expertise in future growth areas (e.g., energy, military).
• Experience working in or with relevant public and third sector organisations and stakeholders (e.g. UK and EU governments).
• Experience of working with external research partners and collaborators, including multinational consortia.

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.
• Self-starter with a proactive approach to work, able to take initiative and work independently.

Starting from £30,000 per annum at Research Analyst level

Starting from £40,000 per annum at Senior Research Analyst level

• 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.

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 05/10/25.

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