At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research on crime, justice, and security while managing high-profile projects.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent social research organisation with a focus on public policy.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career development and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society by tackling complex issues like extremism and youth justice.
- Qualifications: Strong mixed-methods research experience and confidence in project leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
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.
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. You will be comfortable operating independently in a senior role, with strong project leadership, line management, stakeholder management and communication skills. 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 endeavor to support you to help you showcase your best self during our hiring process.
Research Director, Crime, Justice and Security in London employer: the National Centre for Social Research
NatCen is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London that fosters professional growth and collaboration within the Crime, Justice and Security team. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including generous leave and a robust pension scheme, and a culture that values curiosity and integrity, NatCen empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact on critical public policy issues while enjoying a flexible hybrid working model.
Contact Detail:
the 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 the role. We want to hear how you can lead projects and manage stakeholders effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 our team at NatCen.
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 experience in mixed-methods research and any relevant projects you've led that align with our focus areas like crime, justice, and security.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve built relationships with clients and stakeholders, and how you’ve delivered high-quality research under tight deadlines.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with NatCen.
How to prepare for a job interview at the 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 key issues like extremism, youth justice, and access to justice. This will not only show your passion but also help you engage in meaningful discussions with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Mixed-Methods Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Bring examples of past projects where you successfully integrated these approaches. Highlighting your ability to lead high-quality mixed-methods research will demonstrate that you're the right fit for this senior role.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about managing senior stakeholders and building relationships. Think of specific instances where you've navigated complex stakeholder dynamics or secured new projects. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your capability to operate independently and lead effectively.
✨Align with NatCen's Values
Familiarise yourself with NatCen's values of curiosity, purpose, and integrity. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've demonstrated these behaviours in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just a skilled researcher, but also a cultural fit for the team.
