Student Placement - Project / Research Assistant - Data & Analysis - 2025 / 2026 -Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is one of the most complex and shifting policing environments. To keep us one step ahead, we want to recruit an aspiring Project/Research Assistant who'll help us make better use of science and technology as we work to deliver key innovative projects and programmes across the CT Network. Joining the Counter Terrorism Research Lab (CTRL), you'll be working with a small team who are passionate and enthusiastic about science and technology, assisting on key initiatives that seek to deliver critical change to our network of operational and business units who play a vital role in protecting the UK. You will work alongside the CTRL Team to support them in the delivery of key initiatives whilst learning their tradecraft and gaining a breadth of experience. You will help shape and develop science and technology (S&T) projects as they progress, many of which span the whole of the CTP Network, which will require you to engage with CTP regions across the UK. You will bring innovative and creative S&T ideas to the project or programme you support, helping the team to problem solve, engaging with stakeholders and ensuring change develops in a controlled way through key governance activity and development of project controls. The ideal candidate will be able to use their range of skills to flex and adapt to the fast-paced and complex projects we manage. They are proactive, keen to learn and have an eye for detail with excellent verbal and written skills. They will have an active interest in both Counter Terrorism and science and technology. Ideally the candidate will be working towards a STEM or Management degree / qualification. It is important to note that there is flexibility to tailor the role to the candidate's background; towards either a science focus or a management focus. Like us, we are looking for someone who is keen to deliver meaningful change for CT Policing and is happy to get involved with the priority activities across the project you are deployed to. You should be innovative, well-organised and self-motivated. You will also be able to evidence to us that you are able to use your expertise to identify problems, appreciate challenges (including technical, organisational and human factors), and explore S&T opportunities. Work with us and you will be joining a world-class Counter Terrorism Policing network team, where you will work with other practitioners and operational staff who are passionate about keeping the country safe from terrorism. Key Tasks The post holder will be required to do the following:

• Contribute to the running of the S&T, research and innovation projects managed by the Chief Scientific Officer.
• Support members of the Counter Terrorism Research Lab with the running of S&T projects. This will include research into the S&T capability to identify possible routes for a project; completing papers for governance boards, which will then need to be presented at those boards. Assisting in the Commercial process to identify suppliers. Maintaining contact with CTP stakeholders and suppliers throughout the duration of a commissioned project to ensure a smooth delivery.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and officers within the Pillar, other CTPHQ units, the CT Network, Specialist Operations, other relevant areas of the MPS and with partner organisations and external stakeholders to support the delivery of S&T services.
• Facilitate workshops for your ongoing projects.
• Be responsible for tracking milestones for delivery of your projects.
• Conduct open source research and other tasks to assist the team, to support intelligence development.
• Support the S&T Strategic Lead with the administration, organisation and management of the S&T working group and governance board meetings.
• Undertake ad hoc project related tasks for S&T team activities as required.
• Work with academic institutions to facilitate projects, including those being run with an Analysis and Research (A&R) focus.
• Providing support to A&R to focus on intelligence requirements and research type projects, assisting with the development of analytical products to support work across the teams.
• Other project work as required by the team, with the opportunity to shape tasks based on your areas of interest / study and subject matter knowledge., Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of "Working to keep people safe from Terrorism".
Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today's complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations'. Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable).

The post holder must have: Planning, organisational and problem-solving skills:
• Highly motivated, critical thinker with a flexible and proactive approach to working including a strong desire to meet deadlines and deliver quality work.
• Keen interest in developing STEM knowledge in applied settings.
• Can define and solve problems in a logical manner, being aware of the variety of solutions possible. Shows evidence of being able to balance theory with reality to produce a pragmatic solution.
• Good planning and organisational skills, and methodical with an eye for detail.
• Good time management skills, with the ability to manage and prioritise competing priorities and workloads, to deliver quality work within set timescales in a demanding environment.
• Practical experience in producing 'as-is' and 'to-be' process models.
• Experience of business analysis in relation to project lifecycles, evidenced by the ability to manage stakeholders and the production of a wide array of documents to a high standard.
Communication and relationship skills:
• Strong ability to build rapport and relationships with colleagues and managers from across the Counter Terrorism Network and our partners.
• An excellent level of both written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present information appropriately to a wide variety of stakeholders in a clear, concise and sometimes technical manner.
• Strong work ethic and communication skills including experience at presenting.
• Excellent planning skills, and ability to quickly respond to changing priorities and manage your own workload. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Intuition for knowing what levels of information can be shared to whom, and when.
• Experience in the planning, management and the facilitation of workshops.
• Ability to learn and adapt on the job, especially in responding to changes/unexpected issues, tailoring communication styles as change progresses through the project lifecycle.
• Demonstrates a respect for diversity through all aspects of work. Shows consideration and respect for the opinions and feelings of others, regardless of their status or background.
• Excellent inter-personal skills. The candidate must be adept at assessing and discussing project options with senior management and stakeholders, discussing the implications of any issues and alternative solutions.
Writing:
• The ability to translate complex information into a concise and understandable summary.
• Ability to capture high-quality notes during project meetings, in order to report back to senior members of the team.
• Write and edit project control documents, in a way that is clear, grammatically correct and in line with policy and procedure.
• (As required by the project) development and writing of business case(s).
IT Literacy:
• Excellent knowledge of the MS Office suite and comfortable and competent in using such tools. (Confident in finding the answer if unsure).
• Comfortable in completing a range of templates/reports across different mediums., Working towards degree level within a relevant Science/Technology, Data Science, Business or Project Management focused course. Alternatively studying for a relevant qualification in Criminology / Terrorism Studies / Policing.
• A keen interest in STEM subjects, Data Science, Research Methods, Emerging Technologies, Project Management or Business Analysis, Counter Terrorism and/or Policing, with strong work ethic and desire to learn.
• Foundation knowledge and awareness of project management practices and principles, with an interest to learn more and develop in this area.
• Confident using a range of systems and tools such as MS Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent planning skills, ability to quickly respond to changing priorities and identify potential risks or issues to delivery.
• Be an active team player and happy to be flexible to support the project or programme you are deployed to across the priority areas of activity.
• Ability and desire to deliver in a fast-paced and deadline driven environment.
Vetting This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) level before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required. Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) or Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post., Must be an undergraduate student in a sandwich year course returning to study in autumn 2026

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) employs approximately 44,000 officers and Staff, plus thousands of volunteers and provides policing to one of the most diverse capital cities in the world. The service provides policing to the 32 London Boroughs as well as a number of other local, national and international functions such as counter terrorism and organised crime prevention. As the country's largest police service, the service is recognised internationally as a leader in fighting crime and many other policing organisations look to the MPS for best practice and guidance. We are looking to recruit students for a 52-week student placement with the Metropolitan Police Service. All roles will give students valuable insight and experience of working for one of the largest public organisations in the UK and the largest single employer in London. The role is a substantive post and we seek to provide valuable practical experience wherever our students work. All roles will give students valuable insight and experience of working for one of the largest public organisations in the UK and the largest single employer in London. The role is a substantive post and we seek to provide valuable practical experience wherever our students work. Counter Terrorism Policing Counter Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity. As the threat of terrorism continues to change and evolve, we need to be ready which means we need to be constantly adapting. Delivering change is hugely important therefore, and this is your chance to play your part in a challenge that is as important as it gets: protecting the UK and its communities.