At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research on crime, justice, and security while managing dynamic project teams.
- Company: Join NatCen, the UK's largest independent social research organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid work, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with excellent career growth and mentoring support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public policy and contribute to vital social issues.
- Qualifications: Strong mixed-methods research skills and experience in criminal justice or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Application Deadline: 28 May 2026
Department: Policy Research Centre
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reporting To: Gayle Munro
Description
Competitive (depending on experience) London | Hybrid Full time | Permanent. Location: London (Hybrid – 3 days in the London office, 2 days from home). Reporting to: Director of Crime, Justice and Security Team: Crime, Justice and Security team, Policy Research Centre.
NatCen is looking for an exceptional Research Director to join its Crime, Justice and Security team within the Policy Research Centre. This is a senior mixed-methods research leadership role for someone who can design and deliver high-quality research, win new work and build trusted relationships with clients and partners. The team works across complex and high-profile public policy issues including offending behaviour, extremism and radicalisation, violence against women and girls, victims and witnesses of crime, youth justice, access to justice and policing. This role will lead and shape a portfolio of research and evaluation work while also playing a critical role in growing the pipeline and securing new projects. The successful person will bring the credibility to operate with minimal supervision, lead projects with confidence, manage senior stakeholders and strengthen the team’s capability in survey and quantitative work alongside existing qualitative strengths. This is an opportunity to combine research leadership, commercial contribution and visible impact in one of the UK’s best-known independent social research organisations.
Key Responsibilities
- You will lead high‑quality mixed‑methods research and evaluation projects from design through to delivery, ensuring work meets client expectations and NatCen’s standards.
- You will take ownership of proposals and contribute to winning new work, from smaller opportunities through to major strategic bids.
- You will manage and develop project teams, maintain oversight of budgets, timelines and quality, and build strong relationships with clients, commissioners, partners and colleagues across NatCen.
- You will also contribute flexibly across the wider Policy Research Centre where needed.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
We are looking for a strong mixed‑methods researcher with confidence across qualitative and quantitative research design and delivery. You will bring demonstrable experience of proposal writing and winning funded research or evaluation work, along with a track record of delivering high‑quality projects to time and budget. Experience in criminal justice, policing, youth justice, victims, access to justice, online harms or closely related public policy areas will be highly relevant. Experience in evaluation methods, including theory‑based evaluation, will be an advantage. Relevant backgrounds could include social research or evaluation involving prisons, probation, youth offending, local authorities supporting young people at risk, or other adjacent justice and public policy settings.
Job Benefits
As well as a competitive salary, attractive bonus structure and excellent working environment (including a home/office hybrid working environment), you will be working for the largest independent social research organisation in the UK. We are proud of the benefits we offer our employees which include:
- 25 days’ annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays), increasing to 30 days after three years’ service, with flexible working available.
- Generous company pension scheme.
- Life insurance and health cash plan.
- Cycle to Work scheme and season ticket loan.
- Career development, professional subscriptions support and mentoring support from industry‑leading experts.
We are proud to say we are a Disability Confident Committed Employer, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during the interview process please make us aware and we will endeavour to support you to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.
Research Director, Crime, Justice and Security in London employer: National Centre for Social Research
NatCen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in London with a hybrid model that promotes work-life balance. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to impactful research in critical areas of crime, justice, and security. Join a team that values your expertise and fosters growth, making a meaningful difference in public policy.
Contact Detail:
National Centre for Social Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Director, Crime, Justice and Security in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the crime, justice, and security sectors on LinkedIn or at industry events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in crime and justice. Show us you’re not just knowledgeable but passionate about the field. Bring your insights to the table and engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your mixed-methods research experience aligns with our needs. Highlight specific projects where you’ve made an impact, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the NatCen team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Director, Crime, Justice and Security in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Director role. Highlight your mixed-methods research experience and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs in crime, justice, and security.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful projects you've managed. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact. This helps us understand the value you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to follow. This reflects your ability to communicate effectively, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures it reaches the right people and gives you a chance to explore more about us and our work in the Policy Research Centre.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the latest research and trends in crime, justice, and security. Familiarise yourself with NatCen's previous projects and publications. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you discuss how your experience aligns with their work.
✨Prepare for Mixed-Methods Questions
Given the mixed-methods focus of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative research. Prepare specific examples of past projects where you've successfully integrated these methods, highlighting your leadership and project management skills.
✨Showcase Your Proposal Writing Skills
Since winning new work is a key responsibility, come prepared to talk about your experience in proposal writing. Bring examples of successful bids you've led or contributed to, and be ready to discuss your approach to securing funding for research projects.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Establishing strong relationships is crucial in this role. During the interview, engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their current projects and challenges. This will demonstrate your collaborative spirit and ability to connect with stakeholders.
