RAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. We realise our mission by undertaking objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.

 

RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge and Brussels, and employs approximately 140 researchers: just over half of our research staff have doctorates with the balance holding other post-graduate degrees. Our work lies on the continuum between that of universities and consultancies, combining the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task orientated approach of consultancies. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence-based research, RAND Europe is a values-driven organisation, and our experience shows that our most successful researchers closely align their behaviours with our value set.

 

We wish to recruit a Senior Analyst to support our broad portfolio of policy research in R&I, energy & environment and emerging technologies in our Cambridge office.

 

The Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team members have backgrounds spanning a wide range of natural and social science disciplines. We work with and for public, private and third sector funders and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.

 

The Science and Emerging Technology team comprises 16 researchers spanning ‘research on research’, energy and environment, and emerging technology policy. The team is currently working on topics ranging from energy and climate, sustainability, biotechnology, economic development, artificial intelligence, the funding of R&D and universities, research impact, and international development funding. We also regularly work collaboratively across the other three RAND Europe teams in defence and security, home affairs and social policy, and health and wellbeing. We work for clients in the UK (BEIS, UKRI, Wellcome), the European Commission, national governments and multinational organisations around the world.

 

We are a team of individuals committed to bringing the benefits of research, science and technology to bear on decision-making across sectors – in government, industry, charities and international organisations.

Research Leadership

• Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in policy research, supporting the delivery of a portfolio of large, complex research projects and expanding into new areas of work.
• Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of others' project management and methodological skills.
• Helping ensure that RAND Europe’s research has a positive impact within policy communities and the wider world.

 

Business development

• Contributing to the work of SET, through contributing to or supporting the delivery of research group target revenues and sales by helping secure funding for research and consultancy tasks and supporting others in doing so within and outside the team.
• Co-ordinating, managing and supporting a portfolio of business development initiatives including supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals.
• Building networks and contacts with funders and collaborators

 

Group and other responsibilities

• Working with other team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET’s research and strategy.
• Working in a collegiate manner and contributing to the development and profile of the wider organisation.
• Helping to raise RAND Europe’s profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.

• Proven track record delivering and managing research and/or evaluation projects.
• A demonstrable interest in at least one of our three focus areas: research and innovation policy; emerging technology policy; or energy and environment policy
• Evidence of working as part of a team to deliver on policy research and evaluation projects
• Strong conceptual and structured thinking skills, coupled with excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples) and the proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied audiences.
• A proven ability to distil complex information and engage with detail considering bigger picture issues and to message research and analysis findings clearly, succinctly and in consideration of target audiences.
• Strong project management experience, including experience of running projects to budget.
• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• The networking and sales presentation skills to build relationships, facilitate joint decision making and cultivate relationships with potential funders and collaborators.
• Hands-on, team player with a strong commitment to rigorous research, customer service and the ability to project manage multiple tasks and work to tight deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills and knowledge, and in contributing to people development initiatives, such as training
• Self-starter with high energy levels, who is comfortable working with ambiguity as well as process, and quick to spot a commercial opportunity.
• Open minded, with the humility to recognise success in others and accept challenge from highly capable junior members of the team.

This role will be based in RAND Europe’s Cambridge office, working alongside RAND Europe colleagues, though we have a hybrid working model with the option to work mostly from home (typically one day per week in the office preferred, with some flexibility). There will also be some requirement to travel and spend brief periods away visiting clients on site – typically in London and Brussels though occasionally further afield.  

- 8% Employer contribution pension
- BUPA medical insurance
- Income protection
- Group life assurance
- Employee Assistance scheme
- Enhanced holiday allowance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Fresh fruit every day
- Free parking
- Cycle to work scheme
- Company bikes
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
 
Salary
Starting from £40,000 per annum

If you feel that you have the qualities to be a part of our team please submit an application via the RAND Europe’s online careers portal. You application will need to consist of a CV and covering letter submitted as one document (only applications with both documents submitted will be considered).

 

Please note, if selected for interview a short writing sample may be requested. 

 

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th June, if you have not received a response within one month of the closing date, your application has not been successful.