At a Glance
- Tasks: Support impactful research projects and evaluations in education, homelessness, and youth employment.
- Company: Join the Policy Institute at King’s College London, tackling societal challenges with evidence-based solutions.
- Benefits: Full-time role with professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by using your quantitative skills to influence policy and practice.
- Qualifications: Formal training in quantitative research methods and experience in evaluation projects.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Policy Institute at King’s College London works to solve society’s challenges with evidence and expertise. As part of the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy, we combine the rigour of academia with the agility of a consultancy and the connectedness of a think tank.
This role sits within the Evidence Development and Incubation Team (EDIT), a specialist evaluation team within the Policy Institute. EDIT partners with government departments, public bodies, charities and other organisations to understand the impact of their work. Our activities include:
- Designing and delivering impact evaluations to assess the impacts of interventions on key outcomes, using experimental and quasi-experimental approaches
- Conducting implementation and process evaluations to explore how interventions operate in practice and how they are experienced by participants
- Supporting organisations to develop robust internal evaluation strategies, including the systems, skills and processes needed to embed evaluation in their work.
Beyond individual projects, EDIT advocates for the use of evidence in policy and practice, and works closely with members of the What Works Network to strengthen the wider evaluation ecosystem and promote the adoption of evidence-based interventions.
The Research Assistant (Evaluation Officer) will support EDIT in delivering ongoing and new evaluation and research projects. Current work includes evaluations of programmes across primary, secondary, and further education; interventions aimed at reducing homelessness; and initiatives supporting young people to progress into employment.
The role has a strong focus on quantitative evaluation methods. The ideal candidate will have formal training in quantitative research methods (for instance statistics, econometrics, or similar subjects) – using R – and experience applying these skills in practice on evaluation and research projects. We are particularly interested in candidates with experience working on commissioned research within a research organisation, consultancy, or academic setting. We also welcome applicants who bring subject-matter expertise from working in relevant policy areas, such as education, employment, youth violence reduction, homelessness, or related fields.
The successful candidate will be highly organised, analytically rigorous, comfortable working collaboratively across multiple projects, and able to contribute flexibly within a fast-paced research environment.
This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a two-year fixed-term contract. Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development.
Research Assistant [Evaluation Officer] - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS employer: King's College London
Contact Detail:
King's College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant [Evaluation Officer] - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their evaluation methods and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience with quantitative research methods and how they relate to the role of Research Assistant.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant [Evaluation Officer] - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight your quantitative research skills and any relevant experience in evaluation projects. We want to see how your background aligns with what we do at the Policy Institute!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about evidence-based policy and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and make it personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects where you've used quantitative methods or worked in relevant policy areas. We’re keen to see how you’ve applied your skills in real-world settings, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College London
✨Know Your Quantitative Methods
Make sure you brush up on your quantitative research methods, especially if you're familiar with R. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these skills in past projects, as this role heavily focuses on data analysis and evaluation.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Highlight any experience you have in commissioned research or working within relevant policy areas like education or homelessness. Prepare specific examples of your contributions to previous projects that align with the work of the Evidence Development and Incubation Team.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since the role requires juggling multiple projects, be prepared to talk about how you stay organised and manage your time effectively. Share strategies you've used in the past to keep track of deadlines and deliverables.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Policy Institute's mission and recent projects. Show genuine interest in their work and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goal of using evidence to solve societal challenges.