Social science senior analyst – Strategic Insight Unit

As a social science senior analyst, you’ll carry out research to find out what works for the Met through impactful research projects and use your findings to drive change.

You’ll be joining the Strategic Insight Unit, which develops and delivers research and evaluation across the Met through a team of social, behavioural and data scientists. The unit provides strategic insight into everything from disproportionality to policing demand and culture, and crime/community specific research. Crucially, the unit also leads Organisational Learning – and that’s where you come in.

An exceptional analyst, your task will be to manage qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation. As you work, you’ll ensure that research is effective, that your findings are developed, and that evidence is evaluated and implemented to bring improvements to policing.

At this level, you’ll need proven expertise in social research techniques and methodologies. You could have gained this expertise in the workplace or a professional or recognised academic environment. Ideally, you’ll be a postgraduate with a relevant degree although this is not essential. More important are an in-depth understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods and approaches, and evidence of implementation.

We’ll also be looking for experience of designing and implementing research/evaluation projects, plus project management skills. You’ll pair your abilities with professional maturity and integrity, and a gift for clear communication.

This is a unique chance to drive research and evaluation projects that define operational policing. In return, we can offer a rewarding role, a competitive salary, a Civil Service pension, and excellent career development.

Job description

The Met is looking for an exceptional researcher to join our Strategic Insight Unit (Research Faculty) as social science senior analyst. You will lead research and projects across disciplines, and evidence ‘what works’ in policing across the Met to drive policing insight and our transition to a learning organisation. You will manage qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation, ensuring that research is effective, that capability is developed for the organisation and that evidence is evaluated and implemented to improve policing outcomes.

The Strategic Insight Unit develops and delivers research and evaluation across the Metropolitan Police through a team of social, behavioural and data scientists. We provide strategic insight into issues such as disproportionality, policing demand and culture, and crime/community specific research such as stop & search interventions and hot spot violence prevention. We support academics, researchers and analysts in policing research, and national research projects in areas such as Rape investigation. We promote evidence-based policing including sponsoring postgraduate research and lead Organisational Learning in building a systemic knowledge management environment for the Met.

Please note this role requires expertise in social research techniques and methodologies gained through recognised academic, workplace, and professional environments. The role equally requires professional maturity and integrity, strong relational and communication skills, and an understanding of team dynamics.

Benefits package

Benefits include generous annual leave, Civil Service pension, interest free season ticket loans, membership of Met sports and social clubs, flexible working conditions and many more.