Research Assistant - Defence, Security and Justice

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 170 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.

We are looking for a dedicated Research Assistant to join our Defence, Security and Justice research group who can support our research and analysis activities across all key areas.

The Defence, Security and Justice Research Group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Our clients include UK government departments (e.g. Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Office for Veterans Affairs), EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament), national and international defence and security organisations (e.g. national defence departments, NATO), 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)

Key responsibilities

• Supports project teams in research, through supporting:
• literature reviews
• co-conducting and transcribing interviews
• minute taking
• preparing presentations and workshops
• coordinating meetings and events
• Analyses calls for tender to identify proposal requirements
• Drafts sections of research proposals
• Supports the collation of administrative documents for proposals
• Drafts sections of reports
• Proofreads and checking documents
• Makes corporate contributions through supporting RAND processes such as quality assurance and research ethics
• Communicates with clients

Requirements

• Ability to multi-task efficiently and effective time management skills for operating in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to quickly grasp a wide range of unfamiliar policy issues and research methods
• Basic knowledge of research methodologies and their application
• Strong (i.e. clear, concise, well-referenced and persuasive) writing
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong ability to work in a team
• Intermediate Word
• Intermediate Excel (strong Excel skills for the more quantitative role)
• Intermediate PowerPoint
• A post graduate degree or equivalent qualification
• For one of the roles good quantitative skills are required and therefore a degree or post graduate degree in a quantitative discipline would be highly desirable

Desirable:

• Some relevant experience in similar role
• Knowledge and interest in the cyber domain
• Knowledge of UK and European defence and security policy issues
• Quantitative research method skills
• Eligibility for UK and NATO Security Clearance

Please note this is a 2 year fixed term position.

Benefits

• 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.

Application

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

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