Research Leader - Workplace OSH & Wellbeing - Education, Employment and Skills

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. Our work at its most impactful changes policy, practice and process to the benefit of the public good. That is also our organisational mission

RAND Europe has approximately 200 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. 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.

RAND Europe's research is rigorously peer reviewed, draws on extensive subject and methodological expertise, and is conducted in a professional, delivery oriented environment.

It's an exciting time to join RAND Europe as we journey together to achieve our 2032 growth plans. As a result of that growth, we have an exciting opportunity for a senior researcher to join our team to help support and lead research activities in workplace occupational safety, health (OSH) and wellbeing.

You'll be taking on a senior role in the Education, Employment and Skills (EES) Research Group, joining with accomplished colleagues in the workplace OSH and wellbeing team, delivering and growing the research portfolio.

The EES research group focuses on research across several public policy areas for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond. You'll have the opportunity to be involved in the wider portfolio of work across EES and across that of RAND Europe in general.

Our research in workplace OSH and wellbeing represents decades of experience and continues to drive increasing impact. You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of colleagues, clients and partners across private, government, academic and philanthropic sectors. We are building a range of collaborations and you'll be central to this.

We are open to applicants with a senior or leadership track record of research, or senior practitioner leadership experience, which may have been gained in academic, public, consulting or other policy or private sector roles. We expect post graduate qualifications. A PhD would be of benefit but not essential.

We are open to considering candidates with any mix of quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods backgrounds alongside a demonstrated interest in workplace OSH and Wellbeing. Should you be a senior OSH practitioner or consultant considering this role, we would take senior workplace experience into account alongside evidence of research or higher academic attainment. The proven ability to contribute and lead in a research-led environment is a highly desirable requirement.

The role is based in our well appointed Cambridge (UK) offices, and we require some office presence from the role. We work flexibly as an organisation and support hybrid working arrangements which is preferred by many. Travel to some meetings in Cambridge and some out-of-office client meetings will be required.

Key Responsibilities

Responsible for the design and delivery of high quality, objective research in a supportive environment, comfortable with minimal supervision.

• Leads quantitative and qualitative elements of studies including research design, selection of appropriate analytical approaches, writing statistical analysis plans, reviewing data collection approaches and analysis and reporting findings.
• Provides methodological and statistical support to junior researchers in the team.
• Manages projects with minimal supervision to deliver high quality work within available time and resources.
• Identifies project and delivery risks, taking appropriate mitigating actions and escalation.
• Supports the strategic goals of EES and RAND Europe, including the generation of research project opportunities.
• Develops and sustaining strong client relationships.
• Delivers presentations and disseminates information as well as other activities that support the impact of RAND Europe's research.
• Ad hoc duties as required.

Management & leadership

• Experience managing research/evaluation projects.
• Track record of undertaking research for policy and/or practitioner audiences.
• Experience of managing client relationships.
• Experience in supporting junior staff and creating strong-performing teams.
• Contribution in senior leadership or management environments.

Commercial awareness

• Experience of writing winning research proposals (desirable).
• Securing funding in competitive environments.
• Experience of effectively managing small to medium-sized project budgets.
• Ability to effectively process large amounts of information, translate and presenting complex research findings to policy, practice and lay audiences.
• Delivery of high calibre research and/or client deliverables.

Personal skills and experience

• Ability to work autonomously, flexibly and to deadlines.
• Collaborative leadership supporting whole-team achievement with no one left behind.
• Competence of managing and leading in virtual and in-person environments.

Subject Matter Confidence

• A demonstrable depth or breadth of understanding and experience in at least one area relating to Workplace Occupational Safety, Health or Wellbeing.

• Applied understanding of research methods (desirable).

Fluency in English

IT skills

• Intermediate Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent (desirable)
• Candidates without a PhD will be considered if they fulfil the following criteria:
• equivalent educational attainment or accreditation to post graduate level and in addition at least one of the following:
• career experience working in senior leadership role(s) connected to the subject matter along with an understanding of research;
• leading and working in research teams;
• career experience in a consulting role;
• achievement in higher education settings;
• named author on peer-reviewed publications in academic journals.

• 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 £50,000 per annum, depending on experience

How to Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter below. Closing date for applications is 23rd November 2025.

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