Research Leader – Crime and Justice

RAND Europe

. Develop and lead a programme of work in crime and justice, including prisons and probation, policing, courts, offending and rehabilitation, drugs and drug policy, organised crime, youth offending, violence and violence prevention .

Posted 10/24/2026full-timeCambridge • United KingdomSenior💰 £53,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in criminal justice research and policy analysis, with a strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and secure funding for impactful projects. Proven track record in building relationships with stakeholders and translating research into actionable insights for policymakers.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Criminal Justice Research ExpertiseProgramme LeadershipStatistical Analysis Software (STATA, R, SAS)Proposal Development for Research FundingUK Government Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quantitative MethodologiesQualitative MethodologiesImpact EvaluationProcess EvaluationEconomic EvaluationProject Budget ManagementResearch Programme DesignData Analysis Programming (Python)AI Tools FamiliarityMulti-Partner Programme Leadership

Soft Skills

Networking SkillsAnalytical ThinkingPeople ManagementTeam CollaborationFlexibility

Tools & Technologies

MaxQDAStatistical Analysis SoftwareAI ToolsResearch Funding PlatformsProject Management Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree or PhD in CriminologySC ClearanceEligibility for DV Clearance

Industry Keywords

Criminal Justice SystemPolicingPrisons and ProbationYouth OffendingViolence PreventionDrug PolicyOrganised CrimePublic PolicyResearch FundersStakeholder Engagement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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

Requirements

What you’ll need

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 effectively managing small to medium-sized project budgets
Ability to apply quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies in policy analysis
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 statistical analysis software such as STATA, R or SAS, or qualitative data analysis software such as MaxQDA, and relevant programming languages such as Python
Familiarity with LLMs and other AI tools to solve problems at scale
Commercially astute, analytical thinker with strategic and practical perspective
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 commitment to rigorous, high-quality research and public service
Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks and work to tight deadlines
Enthusiasm for learning new skills, expanding knowledge and contributing to people development initiatives such as training
Sole UK national
Successfully complete SC clearance before commencing the role
Willing and eligible to apply for DV clearance upon joining

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Flexible start/finish times around work commitments
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