Student Research Analyst

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) is the independent safety, standards and research body for Great Britain’s rail network. We work across an evolving railway to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability. We help our members keep Britain moving – with safer, smarter rail. We work collaboratively with an evolving industry to ensure that innovative and sustainable technology is operated safely, efficiently and cost-effectively. We codify and share best practice, both in Britain and abroad. We are proudly impartial, and home to some of rail’s leading experts on technical matters. Guided by facts and analysis, we help to bridge knowledge gaps, optimise use of the latest technology and disseminate and systemise industry best practice.

For more information, visit www.rssb.co.uk  or watch our introductory video on YouTube.

We are seeking to recruit two Student Research Analysts on a 13 month fixed term contract. The role covers a broad range of analytical tasks to deliver valuable insights to GB rail. The greatest challenges of the role will include to rapidly develop sound knowledge of the railway industry and its research landscape, and to understand and manage different views and expectations of internal and external stakeholders. The post holders will be expected to apply proportionate support to analytical tasks based on their size and criticality.

The scope of potential work is broad and will be tailored to the skills of the successful applicants, but the types of activities will include:

• Support the scoping of research - Undertake literature revies, engage with industry stakeholders and help scope new research projects.
• Inputting to technology watches and reviews - Gather information on the state of play, future threats and opportunities from new technology and engineering solutions that could enhance the reliability, safety and sustainability (both financial and environmental) of the rail industry. We have recently researched quantum computers, drones, programmable magnets, driverless cars, and more.
• Contributing to desk base research - Honing your analytical senses and business writing skills to answer questions from members of industry on diverse topics such as: adhesion, trespass, and passenger behaviour. This desk-based research relies on your ability to amass information from public sources and read between the lines to find the answers to pressing questions.

You are either an undergraduate studying a science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or economics degree OR be a recent graduate in one of those disciplines. We don’t need expertise in any particular field, but you should have:

• An interest in technology and their application in new areas
• A proactive approach to solving problems
• Strong analytical skills
• Good self-organisational discipline
• Effective communication skills including strong written English and the ability to the ability to communicate technical information clearly, succinctly and in an engaging way to different audiences
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to build working relationships with multiple stakeholders
• A commitment to RSSB’s values and customer service

You must have the legal right to work in the UK and current students must remain registered for the duration of the placement.

Testimonials

“Throughout my time at RSSB I worked on a vast range of projects all differing in scope. I found the research into innovative technologies exciting and discovered an admiration for the complexity and robustness of the rail industry I never thought possible.”

Amy Donohoe, MEng Civil & Architectural Engineering, University of Bath

“I have enjoyed exploring cutting-edge technologies and employing analytical methods to assess their impact on the rail industry. My placement has also offered me highly sought-after networking opportunities and has guided me in the choice of my future career.”

Noodhir Sobun, MSc in Knowledge Management for Innovation, Cranfield University – now an RSSB Systems Safety Engineer

"I thoroughly enjoyed my year in R&D. They are extremely friendly, and it is a nice relaxed working environment! I was given a variety of work; I learnt about ground-breaking technologies, and the fundamentals and complexities of rail. I worked on several projects which gave me the opportunity develop my business writing skills."

Katrina Dann, BSc Mathematics Student, University of Reading

Why Join RSSB? 

We value our people and offer a competitive benefits package, including: 

• 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Private medical and dental cover
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Season ticket loan and travel subsidy
• Cycle to work scheme
• Volunteer leave
• Performance-related bonus
• Pension scheme
• Learning and development opportunities 

Ready to Apply? 

Apply now and help us shape the future of railway standards. 

We value diversity and equal opportunities in employment and are committed to creating a workplace which is inclusive to everyone. As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, we encourage candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria, to apply for our jobs. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know in advance by emailing vacancies@RSSB.CO.UK Find out more about Diversity and Inclusion at RSSB: Rail Safety and Standards Board Careers - VERCIDA 

If you require any reasonable adjustments with respect to our selection process including information in an alternative format, please contact us at vacancies@rssb.co.uk 

We understand the importance of work-life balance, and we offer our staff the flexibility to work within our core hours and the option to vary their location between both the office and home. If you are looking for further flexibility, speak to us at interview stage so that we can consider your request.