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 170 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.

We are currently recruiting for a Research Assistant to join our Health and Wellbeing (HWB) Research Group in the UK. Current HWB group members have backgrounds in health services research; health economics; epidemiology; public health; psychology; workplace health, wellbeing, and safety; health innovation; sociology and other social science and health related disciplines.

The ideal candidate will have postgraduate degree (Masters) in a health-related field, but we are open to applications from people with degrees in other areas or equivalent work experience. We are looking for someone with either qualitative or quantitative skills and a strong interest in policy research. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, and particularly encourage people from groups that are underserved by, or under-represented in, health and care research.

As a Research Assistant the successful applicants will be supported to develop their research interests and research skills through mentoring by other team members, and formal and informal training.

• Contribute to research and support project teams by:
• undertaking supervised analysis of qualitative or quantitative data
• supporting colleagues’ qualitative data collection e.g. literature reviews, surveys, interviews
• preparing presentations and research briefs
• coordinating meetings and events, including taking minutes
• drafting sections of reports, under supervision
• Support the collation of background information and administrative documents for proposals and grant applications
• Proofread and check documents
• Provide corporate support with administrative tasks
• Communicate with CCHSR and external collaborators, and clients, with supervision

Requirements

• Postgraduate degree (Masters) or equivalent work experience
• Good knowledge of qualitative or quantitative research methodologies and their application in health and healthcare research
• Report writing skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Intermediate Excel, PowerPoint and Word
• Fluency in English is essential and proficiency in one or more other languages would be an asset.
• Organised and with good time management skills

This is a two-year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension.

The role will be based at our Cambridge (UK) office and will work with colleagues not only at RAND Europe but also with our partners at the University of Cambridge in the Cambridge Centre for Health Services Research (CCHSR) and The Healthcare Improvement Studies (THIS) Institute, and collaborators on NIHR Rapid Evaluation Centres (BRACE; DECIDE) at Birmingham and Oxford universities.

RAND Europe operates on a hybrid working policy with the opportunity to work from home for part of the week. 

Benefits

• Salary - £27,500 increasing by £500 every 6 months in line with passing probation
• 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.

To apply, please upload your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the position.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews in September with successful candidates ideally starting work in October. (Potential applicants who are not available to start work until February 2025 or later should not apply at this time, but instead consider our 2025 recruitment round).

In your cover letter, please state your availability and your right to work in the UK. If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. 

The deadline for applications is 31/07/24. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.