About the job
RAND Europe is a highly respected non-profit research institution with over 70 years of expertise in conducting policy research for governments, international organizations, research foundations, and other entities. We are committed to delivering insightful research that leads to well-informed solutions for pressing societal challenges, ultimately making our society safer, healthier, and more prosperous. With offices in Cambridge (UK), Brussels (BE), and The Hague (NL), we employ over 200 staff members.
To bolster our operations in the Netherlands, we are seeking a seasoned expert in the defence sector and defence industry, possessing extensive knowledge of the Dutch and European defence landscape, R&D, and military capability development. The ideal candidate will lead research proposals and projects and represent RAND in engagements with stakeholders and the media. You will collaborate within a multidisciplinary team in the Defence, Security & Justice (DSJ) research group.
The DSJ research group undertakes a diverse range of studies for clients across the EU, the UK, and beyond. Our Dutch clients include the Ministry of Defence, the armed forces, and the NCTV. Internationally, we conduct research assignments for European institutions (e.g., the DG Defence and Space of the European Commission, European Defence Agency, the European Parliament), national governments and agencies, international defence and security organizations (e.g., NATO), as well as various societal and humanitarian organizations.
Our work spans a wide array of policy issues in:
- Defence (defence strategy, policy, capability, technology, and procurement; defence economics; and defence personnel)
- Security (terrorism; violent extremism; intelligence, national security and resilience; border security; energy security; cyber security)
- Justice (prison system, recidivism and crime prevention; organized crime; police and justice; drugs and illegal markets)
As part of our strategy to expand operations in the Netherlands, RAND Europe is on the lookout for an experienced researcher to help manage and grow our defence portfolio. The successful candidate will spearhead the acquisition of research assignments and oversee project execution. We are particularly interested in individuals with a track record in acquiring, designing, and executing research projects within the Netherlands.
This position offers the opportunity to work with an internationally recognized research organization, engaging in collaborative research on defence and security topics – both confidential and non-confidential.

