Student Research Analyst

Overview

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,  watch our introductory video onYouTube.

The closing date for applications is 27th March 2026
. We encourage early applications. This role is based at our Fenchurch Avenue office and follows a hybrid working pattern
.

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…