Research Assistant: Home Affairs and Social Policy

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 Rotterdam and employs approximately 170 staff.

• The Home Affairs and Social Policy Research Group undertakes contract research and analysis in a range of public policy areas: Education (including early childhood education and care, school effectiveness);
• Employment and social policy (including skills, employability, migration, gender equality, child and family policy);
• Crime and justice (including responses to offending, international law enforcement cooperation, organised crime and illicit markets).

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 Assistant level on a 2 year fixed term contract to grow our team of social policy researchers.

As a Research Assistant 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 and other statistical analysis methods and invite applications from individuals with strong quantitative skills or a background in economics. We also welcome interest from individuals with a background in mixed or qualitative methods in any of the following topics: employment, migration, education, crime and justice. 

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

Key Responsibilities 

• Supports project teams in research by:
• undertaking analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• conducting literature reviews
• supporting interviews and workshops
• preparing presentations and research briefs
• coordinating meetings and events, including taking minutes
• Supports the collation of administrative documents for proposals
• Drafts sections of reports under supervision
• Proof read and checks documents
• Makes corporate contributions through supporting RAND processes such as quality assurance and research ethics
• Provides occasional corporate support with administrative tasks
• Communicates with clients and partners with supervision
• Ad hoc duties as required
• For quantitative researchers: Works with large datasets, including data cleaning, data manipulation, linking multiple datasets using a number of relevant variables and other activities to prepare data for analysis; Implements research projects using inferential statistical and econometric methods (e.g. regression analysis, differences-in-differences, synthetic control)

Requirements

• Basic report writing
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Intermediate Word
• Intermediate Excel
• Intermediate PowerPoint
• Desirable: Quantitative research methods:
• Basic understanding of the principles underpinning randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs (e.g. randomisation, baseline equivalence, statistical power)
• A background in research with a focus on quantitative social research, statistical methods, econometrics and/or data science
• Comfortable working with large datasets, including data cleaning, data manipulation, linking multiple datasets and other activities to prepare data for analysis
• Knowledge of the principles underpinning econometric modelling techniques
• SRS Accredited Researcher status (or eligibility to apply) is desirable
• Desirable: Intermediate or advanced statistical packages such as R or STATA

Qualifications

• Post graduate degree or equivalent.

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.

Salary

£27,500 per annum, increasing by £500 every 6 months in line with passing probation

How to Apply

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 Sunday 3rd November 2024

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