Title:             Research Leader: Defence, Security and Infrastructure Research Group

 

Reports to:  Research Group Director

 

Location:     Cambridge

 

The Defence, Security and Infrastructure group at RAND Europe conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond. Our work covers:

• Defence (strategy; policy; capabilities; acquisition/ industrial; technology)
• Security (terrorism, counter-violent extremism, border security, resilience and cyber)
• Infrastructure (transport and choice modelling; infrastructure policy)

Researchers in the Defence, Security and Infrastructure group originate from diverse professional backgrounds including the Civil Service, military, consultancy and academia. Their knowledge and experience spans: defence policy and planning; acquisition, procurement and defence industrial issues; complex programme evaluation; strategic-level exercises; risk and resilience; terrorism and violent extremism; cyber; transport policy and demand modelling; and choice and valuation studies across a range of sectors.

About this opportunity: In a period of growth and diversification, we are looking to appoint two inspirational Research Leaders to support the DSI Research Group Director. The successful candidates will be accountable for supporting and motivating the 25-strong team on a day-to-day basis, leading groups of talented researchers in winning and delivering consultancy/research tasks across a range of defence and security-related topics.

The successful candidates will offer skills and experience in any one of the following areas:

• Defence acquisition, science and technology and the defence industrial base (please note, this role is reserved for someone eligible to view ‘UK Eyes Only’ material and to hold a security clearance. The successful candidate will therefore hold UK nationality);
• Cyber security and cyber defence in areas such as including cyber policy, risk management and critical information infrastructure. Technical experience or certifications such as CISSP, GIAC, CREST (or equivalent) would be desirable;
• Domestic and international security, including counter-terrorism, counter-violent extremism, and resilience.

This role is based in Cambridge, although there will be some requirement to travel and spend brief periods away visiting clients in the UK and at other European sites.

Key responsibilities of the role: the Research Leader will support the Research Group Director in the delivery of group and organisation-wide objectives. Key responsibilities of the roles are:

Research Leadership

• Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in its existing defence and security areas of specialism, developing and managing a portfolio of large, complex projects and expanding into new profitable avenues of work.
• Providing thought leadership within specialist topics and on new ways of addressing research challenges (including different methods and techniques).
• Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of others' skills.
• Taking a leading role in ensuring that RAND Europe’s research has positive impact.

Business development

• Contributing to delivery of research group target revenues and sales by securing funding for research and consultancy tasks, and supporting others in doing so
• Co-ordinating and managing a portfolio of business development initiatives including leading and supporting bid and proposal activity.
• Consolidating and initiating networks and contacts with client organisations and collaborators such as the UK MOD and other Government Departments as well as European clients including EU institutions and European national governments.

Group and other responsibilities

• Working with other team members and the Group Director to develop the Defence, Security and Infrastructure group’s research and strategy.
• As a senior member of the team, setting the collegiate tone and contributing to the development and profile of the wider organisation.
• Leading on innovative ways to raise RAND’s profile and maximise research impact.

 

 

Successful candidates will offer:

• Proven track record in developing policy and managing significant projects in either:
  
  
1. Defence acquisition, science and technology and the defence industrial base, preferably delivered in support of the UK Government, the European Institutions and/or Member States, OR
2. Cyber security or cyber defence, , preferably delivered for the public or private sector either in a research or operational setting, OR
3. Security Domestic and international security, including counter-terrorism, counter-violent extremism, and resilience, preferably delivered in support of the UK Government, the European Institutions and/or Member States.

 

• Extensive experience building and leading multi-disciplinary teams, with research leadership experience preferred.
• Demonstrable success in business development including bid and proposal (preferably securing governmental and/or research funding).
• Sector knowledge including UK and European defence organisations (governmental and non-governmental). Good research and policy networks in UK and Europe. Evidence of sustaining effective working relationships with stakeholders in the public and/or private sector and an understanding of practical operating pressures.
• First class verbal and written communication skills with an ability to think and work accurately in high-pressure situations. Intermediate Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Credible academic track record to at least Masters Level in a relevant subject area. Demonstrable equivalent experience in a consulting role or central government. A background in either the public or private sector will be considered.

Personal qualities: Successful candidates will be:

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• Able to build relationships at senior levels, facilitate joint decision making and develop an order book of business.
• An inclusive, can-do leader and coach with the inspirational interpersonal skills to build a motivated team, instil standards of excellence and develop people for career progression.
• Hands-on team player with a strong commitment to customer service and ability to manage multiple tasks and work to tight deadlines. Willing to get his/her hands dirty as required.
• Open minded with the humility to recognise success in others and accept challenge from highly capable junior members of the team.

- 8% Employer contribution Pension
- Bupa Medical insurance
- Childcare vouchers
- Generous Holiday allowance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Flexible working arrangement
- Permanent Health Insurance
- Group Life Assurance
- A friendly multinational work environment
- Employee Wellbeing Initiatives
 
How to apply
 
If you feel that you have the qualities to be a part of our team, please submit an application via RAND Europe’s online careers portal. Your application will consist of a CV, covering letter and a short writing sample (up to 3 pages, aimed at a non-technical audience). Please note, your CV, covering letter and writing sample must be submitted as a single document.