Analyst - 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 wish to recruit an experienced Analyst with Technical Expertise within our Defence, Security and Justice research group, in particular to support our work on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies and Defence Economics and Industry.

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 and agencies (e.g. Ministry of Defence, Home Office, FCDO, DSIT, UK Space Agency), other national governments (e.g. Dutch), EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, EDA, European Parliament), and international defence and security organisations (e.g. NATO, United Nations), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.

The role is based in the Cambridge office. We offer a flexible hybrid working pattern but would expect the successful candidate to be present in the office at least one day per week which is mandatory. Fluency in English is essential and proficiency in one or more other languages is an asset. The candidate must have a right to work in the UK.

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.

The ideal candidate will combine policy research skills with a technical background in a relevant discipline, such as engineering, computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, operational research, economics or technology studies. We are looking for an individual with a strong interest in emerging and disruptive technologies and their implications for defence capability, defence economics, and wider industrial base and policy.

The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather and interpret relevant data and effectively communicate key policy insights to stakeholders. They will be experienced in project coordination and management, supporting the delivery of high-quality research in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Commercial experience is welcome.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on emerging and disruptive technologies, their implications for national security and their incorporation in defence.
• Support project delivery, including task planning, budget and timeline monitoring, and client communication.
• Draft reports, briefings, presentations, articles and other research outputs.
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposal- and grant-writing and other business-winning activities.
• Help ensure that RAND Europe’s research helps inform and improve policymaking in technology policy and defence acquisition.
• Work collaboratively across multidisciplinary project teams and contribute to RAND Europe’s wider profile and impact.

Requirements

• A technical background in a relevant discipline, such as engineering, computer science, data science, mathematics, physics, operational research, economics or technology studies.
• Experience of conducting research on technology policy, innovation, defence acquisition, defence economics, industrial strategy or related fields.
• Ability to collect and interpret technical, scientific, economic and policy evidence and draw out the key implications and recommendations for stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples) and proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied internal and external audiences.

Personal qualities

• Analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• Hands-on, team player with a strong commitment to rigorous and high-quality research, customer service and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks while working to tight deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as training.
• Self-starter and proactive, and comfortable working with ambiguity as well as process.

We welcome applications from a range of experience levels, from those slightly below to those exceeding our criteria.

Salary

From £33,000

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.

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 15 November 2026.

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