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

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 work with and for public, private and third sector funders and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.

We are looking for an experienced Research Leader to develop and lead a programme of work in areas covering the crime and justice field, such as prisons and probation, policing, courts, offending and rehabilitation, drugs and drug policy, organised crime, youth offending, violence and violence prevention.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Defence, Security and Justice (DSJ) research group and play a leading role in shaping RAND Europe’s future contribute to criminal justice policy, practice and reform in the UK.

The DSJ research group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research and analysis for clients across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our clients include national governments, EU institutions, international organisations, charitable foundations and third-sector organisations.

Our work spans a broad range of policy areas, including:

• Crime and Justice (organised crime and corruption; policing and prisons; drugs and illicit markets; rehabilitation and crime prevention)
• Security (terrorism; countering violent extremism; human security; border security; resilience and cyber)
• Defence (strategy, capability, acquisition, economics, workforce and Armed Forces communities)

The successful candidate will thrive on teamwork and collaboration with colleagues and research funders, take an active role in research and project management, and be keen to grow a body of work through eventual business development and proposal writing. This role will focus on the UK and requires the successful candidate to be based in the UK and willing to travel nationally when needed.

To be considered you will need to be a sole UK national and will need to successfully complete SC clearance before commencing the role and willing and eligible to apply for DV clearance upon joining.

Responsibilities

We are looking for an individual with the ambition, expertise and professional credibility to build and lead a recognised programme of criminal justice research.

As a Research Leader, you will:

• Lead and grow a portfolio of research and analytical work focused on policing, courts, prisons and probation, offending and rehabilitation, drugs and drug policy, organised crime, youth offending, violence and violence prevention.
• Build and maintain relationships with government departments, agencies, research funders, charitable foundations and partner organisations.
• Lead the development of competitive funding proposals and business development activities.
• Provide intellectual leadership on the design and delivery of high-quality research programmes.
• Direct and oversee multidisciplinary project teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest standards.
• Translate rigorous research into clear and actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners and other audiences.
• Develop RAND Europe's profile through publications, conferences, workshops, stakeholder engagement and thought leadership activities.
• Mentor and support the development of researchers across the organisation.
• Contribute to the strategic development of RAND Europe and the Defence, Security and Justice research group.

Requirements

Essential experience

• Master’s degree or PhD in criminology, social science, public policy, or a closely related discipline.
• Research expertise in criminal justice  
• Excellent understanding of current policy and operational challenges affecting the criminal justice system and the organisations responsible for addressing them.
• Flexibility and interest to work on a broader range of themes within the DSJ portfolio.
• Demonstrable experience of building and/or leading a programme or portfolio of research or analytical work within the criminal justice system or a closely related field.
• Experience building productive relationships with clients, research funders and delivery partners.
• Experience drafting and contributing to proposals that secure research funding in competitive environments.
• Experience of effectively managing small to medium-sized project budgets.
• Ability to apply a range of quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies in policy analysis.

Desirable experience

• Familiarity and experience of working across UK criminal justice policy, practice and research communities.
• Experience working with UK government departments and agencies, particularly the Ministry of Justice, HM Prison and Probation Service, the Home Office, NCA, policing organisations or the courts and wider justice system.
• Experience securing and leading larger or multi-partner programmes of research.
• Experience of impact, process and/or economic evaluation, including quasi-experimental approaches
• Expert use of software packages for statistical analysis (e.g., STATA, R, SAS) or qualitative data analysis (eg. MaxQDA) and relevant programming languages (e.g., Python). Familiarity with LLMs and other AI tools to solve problems at scale

Personal qualities

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• Networking skills to build relationships, facilitate joint decision making and cultivate relationships with potential funders and collaborators.
• Hands-on, team player with strong people management skills and a strong commitment to rigorous and high-quality research, public service and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks, and work to tight deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as 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;
• We’re committed to supporting a healthy balance between work and life. Our approach to flexibility is built on trust and understanding, and we are open to discussing how you may best manage your working week in a way that works for you. This includes opportunities for flexibility in start/finish times around work commitments and a hybrid working model.
• Alternative working patterns: part‑time, compressed hours, and an openness to discussing other flexible 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 22nd November 2026. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.