Research Assistant - Defence, Security and Justice

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 are looking for a dedicated Research Assistant to join our Defence, Security and Justice research group who can support our research and analysis activities across all key areas.

The Defence, Security and Justice Research Group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Our clients include UK government departments (e.g. Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Office for Veterans Affairs), EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament), national and international defence and security organisations (e.g. national defence departments, NATO), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.

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

• Defence (defence strategy, policy, capability, and acquisition; defence economics; defence workforce and Armed Forces community)
• Security (terrorism; counter-violent extremism; human security; border security; energy security; resilience and cyber)
• Criminal Justice (rehabilitation and preventing crime; organised crime; law enforcement cooperation; drugs and illicit markets)

Responsibilities

• Supports project teams in research, through supporting:
• literature reviews
• co-conducting and transcribing interviews
• minute taking
• preparing presentations and workshops
• coordinating meetings and events
• Analyses calls for tender to identify proposal requirements
• Drafts sections of research proposals
• Supports the collation of administrative documents for proposals
• Drafts sections of reports
• Proofreads and checking documents
• Makes corporate contributions through supporting RAND processes such as quality assurance and research ethics
• Communicates with clients

• Ability to multi-task efficiently and effective time management skills for operating in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to quickly grasp a wide range of unfamiliar policy issues and research methods
• Basic knowledge of research methodologies and their application
• Strong (i.e. clear, concise, well-referenced and persuasive) writing
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong ability to work in a team
• Intermediate Word
• Intermediate Excel (strong Excel skills for the more quantitative role)
• Intermediate PowerPoint
• A post graduate degree or equivalent qualification

Desirable:

• Some relevant experience in similar role
• Knowledge and interest in the cyber domain
• Knowledge of UK and European defence and security policy issues
• Quantitative research method skills
• Eligibility for UK and NATO Security Clearance

Please note this is a two year fixed term position, applicants must have ongoing right to work in the UK.

Salary

£28,000 per annum.

• 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. The closing date for applications is 6 April 2026.

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