At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research projects in Defence, Security and Justice, focusing on Monitoring and Evaluation.
- Company: Join RAND Europe, a leading independent research organisation dedicated to public good.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, flexible working, and a competitive salary starting at £53,000.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping policies that affect society through rigorous research.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate degree and proven experience in designing and managing M&E studies required.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 53000 £ per year.
Description
RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation whose mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research and analysis.
We benefit the public interest through the impact and wide dissemination of over 200 projects per year.
Our work at its most impactful changes policy, practice and process to the benefit of the public good.
That is also our organisational mission.
RAND Europe has approximately 200 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Hague.
Our staff represents 22 nationalities, speaks over 20 languages and covers 31 academic disciplines.
Our multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to research generate unique perspectives and insights for our wide-ranging government, foundation and other NGO clients.
We wish to recruit a Research Leader in our Defence, Security and Justice (DSJ) research group.
The focus of this role is to design and lead Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) studies across our Defence, Security and Justice research portfolio.
Of particular relevance to this role, we typically conduct a diverse range of impactful M&E studies in the following areas
- Space programmes: Strategy, research and evaluation across the civil and defence space sectors, including large-scale evaluations for the UK Space Agency.
- Defence workforce and Armed Forces community: Evaluations of interventions in relation to Defence personnel or wider Armed Forces community
- Defence research and innovation policy: Evaluations of portfolios of R&I, research strategy development, landscape reviews and assessment of research impact.
- Criminal justice – Offending, desistance and rehabilitation: Evaluations of programmes around prisons, law enforcement, justice and crime prevention.
- Drugs, illicit markets and organised crime: Evaluations of the efficacy of interventions to reduce the negative impact of drugs, smuggling, corruption.
Responsibilities
- Research leadership
- Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in M&E, leading the delivery of a portfolio of research projects and expanding into new sectors.
- Developing and applying innovative M&E approaches tailored to the needs of our clients, including developing trainings and drawing on our in-house Data Science Lab.
- Creating opportunities to deepen the impact and influence of RAND Europe’s M&E work (e. g. conference participation, commentary writing, panel participations)
- Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of others' project management and methodological skills in the M&E space.
- Business development
- Leading and delivering our M&E business development initiatives including leading bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals.
- Contributing to the delivery of research group target revenues and sales by helping secure funding for research and consultancy tasks and supporting others in doing so.
- Group and other responsibilities
- Working with other team members and the Research Group Director to develop DSJ’s M&E research and strategy, and our broader approach to M&E opportunities.
- Working in a collegiate manner and contributing to the development and profile of the wider organisation.
- Helping to maximise impact of RAND Europe’s work.
Personal qualities
- Hands-on, team player with a strong commitment to high-quality research
- Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically
- Networking and sales presentation skills to build relationships
- Self-starter, proactive, enthusiastic about learning new skills and knowledge
Requirements
- A post-graduate degree or equivalent experience in a relevant topic. Please note this is not an engineering or technical role.
- Proven track record designing, delivering and managing M&E studies, research and projects.
Expertise in evaluation in line with the UK Government’s Magenta, Green, and Aqua Books would be valuable.
- Familiarity with common evaluation methods, covering impact, process and value for money (Vf M) evaluations. Expertise in any novel methods would be valuable.
- Strong project leadership and management experience, including experience of running projects to budget.
- Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in other EU languages would be useful.
RAND Europe operates in a hybrid working capacity, this role would be formally based in our Cambridge office and be required to attend in-person a minimum of twice per month for team meetings as well as occasionally for ad hoc reasons such as client meetings or training.
Salary
Starting salary of £53,000 per annum for those that meet the minimum requirements, with flexibility for those with more experience
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 below by 10th August 2026.
If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.
Research Leader - Monitoring and Evaluation - Defence, Security and Justice in Cambridge employer: Rand Europe
RAND Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration among a diverse team of professionals from various backgrounds. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for learning and development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and flexible working arrangements. Located in Cambridge, our office environment promotes innovation and impact, making it an ideal place for those passionate about contributing to meaningful research in the Defence, Security, and Justice sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Leader - Monitoring and Evaluation - Defence, Security and Justice in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Rand Europe, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Rand Europe. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Leader - Monitoring and Evaluation - Defence, Security and Justice in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Rand Europe. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Rand Europe. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rand Europe
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Rand Europe. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Rand Europe to drive research projects forward.
