Senior Research Analyst/Research Analyst - Education

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RAND is a not-for-profit research institute with over 30 years of experience in conducting policy research for governments, international organisations, research councils, charitable foundations, and other organisations. We believe that good research helps shape sound answers to pressing societal challenges, ultimately making communities safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous in the future. RAND Europe has approximately 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.

This role will sit within the Education stream of the Education, Employment, and Skills Research Group. We are looking for a Research Analyst or Senior Research Analyst to tackle critical issues in education, early years, and young people. Current projects within the Education stream include evaluations and research for the Department for Education (DfE), the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), the Youth Endowment Fund YEF) and the Youth Futures Fund (YFF). Several of our projects have a particular focus on social exclusion and inequalities.

We employ robust methods and offer multi-disciplinary perspectives. Our projects are diverse in nature, including evaluations of school-based programmes (randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental impact evaluations, process evaluations and economic evaluations), evidence syntheses, and international comparisons. We encourage applications from those with training and expertise in one of several of these methods and approaches.

You will have the opportunity to work alongside renowned experts on projects with national and international reach and conduct cutting-edge research using a variety of methods. You will be able to drive positive change by translating research into clear, actionable policy recommendations.

The position offers huge potential to be involved the design and implementation of all steps of the research process, from proposing research ideas, detailed research design, data collection, analysis and reporting, as well as research management, ethics and governance. There are numerous opportunities to work with decision-makers in government, industry, academia, and wider policy communities across multiple projects.

RAND Europe currently offer Hybrid working with office attendance required 2-3 times a week during probation.
Key Responsibilities

• Managing research projects including budgeting, timetables, deliverables, and delegating tasks to team members.
• Conducting high-quality research by:
• Drafting data collection tools (data collection templates, surveys, interview guides)
• Conducting in-depth literature reviews on your specialist area.
• Collecting data through interviews, focus groups, or other methods.
• Analysing quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate tools and software.
• Preparing clear and concise presentations and research briefs for policymakers and other audiences.
• Drafting sections of research reports with minimal supervision.
• Maintaining regular communication with collaborators, clients, and funders to ensure project success.
• Identifying opportunities to disseminate research findings through publications, conferences, and presentations.
• Contributing to business development activities by seeking new research opportunities.
• Supporting strategic corporate initiatives aligned with RAND Europe's mission

Requirements

• PhD in a social science, public policy or related discipline (or be close to finishing a PhD) or equivalent relevant experience in education research.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more relevant areas (children, young people, schools, etc.).
• Experience with a variety of research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods).
• Excellent project management skills.
• Experience writing reports and tailoring content for a wide range of audiences.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English - essential.

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.

Salary

Starting from £30,000 per annum for Research Analyst

Starting from £40,000 per annum for Senior Research Analysts
How to apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. Closing date for applications is 5th January 2025

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