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 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. 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.

RAND Europe's research is rigorously peer-reviewed, draws on extensive subject and methodological expertise, and is conducted in a professional, delivery-oriented environment.

The Employment, Education and Skills research group undertakes research across several public policy areas for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Our work covers a broad range of public policy issues across:

Employment (including skills, employability, labour migration, child and family policy);
Education (including early childhood education and care, special educational needs, alternative provision, and edtech);
Workplace Wellbeing (including productivity, culture, and occupational health and safety)

The Employment, Education, and Workplace Wellbeing workstreams address critical cross-cutting themes, with equality, diversity, and inclusion embedded as fundamental principles in all areas of our research.

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 two 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, education, skills, workplace wellbeing.

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

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
- Intermediate or advanced statistical packages such as R or STATA

Qualifications

Post graduate degree or equivalent

Salary

£27,500 per anum

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

How To Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is Sunday 25 May 2025.

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

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Research Assistant - Education, Employment and Skills