Senior Research Analyst / Research Leader - Emerging technology policy

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RAND is a not-for-profit research institute with over 30 years of experience in conducting policy research for governments, international organisations, research councils, charitable foundations, and other organisations. We believe that good research helps shape sound answers to pressing societal challenges, ultimately making communities safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous in the future. RAND Europe has approximately 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.

We wish to recruit a Senior Research Analyst / Research Leader in our Science and Emerging Technology (SET) research group in our Cambridge or Brussels office. The focus of this role is help take forward our emerging technology policy research portfolio.

The Science and Emerging Technology(SET) research group at RAND Europe conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of policy research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond. Broadly, our work covers three main areas:

• Emerging technology policy: Analysis of the trends, applications, impacts and governance of new and emerging technologies from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to quantum technology and extended reality, using a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods. This includes examining the societal and policy implications of technologies across sectors and a broad set of areas such as technology oversight; trust and ethics; public engagement; and work and skills. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/focus-areas/science-emerging-technology....

• Research and innovation policy: Analysis of research and innovation systems including how they work and how they can be improved. This includes evaluations of portfolios of R&I, research strategy development, landscape reviews, and research culture (including topics like researcher mobility, researcher wellbeing and open science). See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/s...
• Energy and environment policy: Analysis of a range of key policy issues including circular economy, environmental fiscal policy and green finance, renewable energy and decarbonisation, and people and nature. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/focus-areas/science-emerging-technology/...

• Civil Space policy: Analysis and evaluation of space policy and investments including strategy support, work on global cooperation and sovereign programmes, major reviews of spending and work on debris and traffic management. See: https://www.rand.org/topics/space-science-and-technology.html

We work with and for public, private and third sector funders and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.

The successful applicant will support / lead business development and project delivery for our exciting portfolio of emerging technology policy. We are particularly looking for an individual with experience of winning and delivering projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients on technology policy issues. We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of technology development, the challenges and opportunities, associated policy issues, and future implications. The role holder will have experience of using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore these issues. You will be experienced at project coordination and leadership / management, supporting the delivery of projects working with a team of researchers, and have strong policy analysis skills.

The role holder will also be accountable for working with senior colleagues in supporting and motivating the SET research group on a day-to-day basis, leading the development and growth of our technology policy research portfolio, managing groups of talented researchers, and publicising our work through a range of communications and outreach activities. You will be proactive in your approach to delivering projects, writing proposals, and multitasking, and committed to achieving impact through your work with other team members, in a collegiate environment.
Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership

• Taking forward RAND Europe's successful research track record in technology policy research, and supporting / leading the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work.
• Contributing to the team's thought leadership on technology policy issues.
• 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 and supporting the delivery of SET target revenues and sales by helping secure funding for research and consultancy tasks and supporting others in doing so.
• Co-ordinating, managing and supporting a portfolio of business development initiatives including supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals - in particular relating to our emerging technology strategy and portfolio.
• Building networks and contacts with funders and collaborators.

Group and other responsibilities

• Working with team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET's research and strategy in technology policy.
• 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.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in technology policy research. Proven expertise in managing / leading and delivering work on relevant topics related to technology policy.
• Experience of winning and delivering research projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients on a range of technology policy issues.
• Experience of the technology field. We are interested in a range of perspectives - your experience could be through technology development, academic research, civil society and advocacy, or the public sector. We are also interested in engaging with candidates who have practical experience in the application and implementation of data analysis and machine learning techniques to technology policy, as well as those with expertise in evaluations and experiments involving AI foundation models.
• Evidence of working as part of a team, motivating others, mentoring and actively developing colleagues for skills and career progression.
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples) and the proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied internal and external audiences. You should have demonstrable experience of writing, editing and disseminating policy research reports.
• Strong project management / leadership experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.
• 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.

Personal qualities

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• 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 and high-quality research, customer service and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks, and work to tight deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as training.
• Self-starter and pro-active, and comfortable working with ambiguity as well as process.
• 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 or Brussels office, working alongside RAND Europe colleagues, in a flexible, hybrid working model with the option to work from home (minimum one day in the office per week, 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.

Benefits

Please see our careers page for relevant benefits associated to each location

How to apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. Closing date for applications is 5th January 2025

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.