Senior Research Analyst - Space policy - Science and Emerging Technology Team

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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 offices in Cambridge, Brussels and Rotterdam and employs approximately 170 staff.

The Science and Emerging Technology group at RAND Europe conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of policy research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Our work covers:

• 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 assessment of research impact. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/s...
• Civil space policy: Strategy, research and evaluation across the space sector, including Earth Observation, space business R&D, national space investment strategy and mission reviews. Our unique strength is that our space portfolio sits across the Defence and Security (D&S) and Science and Emerging Technology (SET) teams, forming the RAND Europe Space Hub (RESH). See: https://www.rand.org/topics/space-science-and-technology.html?realized_r...
• Emerging technology policy: Analysis of the trends, applications and impacts of new and emerging technologies from AI and blockchain to quantum computing and virtual reality. This includes examining the societal and policy implications of technologies across sectors and a broad set of areas such as data governance; privacy, trust and ethics; public engagement; work and skills; and wider technology oversight. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/d...
• Energy and environment policy: Analysis of food systems and strategy, futures analysis of sustainability and environmental issues, environment and health, energy and energy innovation. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/e...

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

We are looking for a talented individual to join our high-performing civil space research group who can help lead our research and analysis activities with a flexible and collaborative approach and interest in space technology evaluation and policy, as well as in wider science and technology policy.

We combine our experience and expertise in space security, policy, regulation and law with our work on the impact of new science and technology and the evaluation of major space programmes. Our unique strength is that our space portfolio sits across the Defence and Security (D&S) and Science and Emerging Technology (SET) teams, forming the RAND Europe Space Hub (RESH). This gives us coverage across both defence and civil space domains, and their intersections.
Responsibilities

Research Leadership

• Taking forward RAND Europe's successful research track record in space policy research, supporting the delivery of a portfolio of large, complex research projects and expanding into new sectors and geographies within and outside of the UK.
• Helping to lead the RAND Europe Space Hub with colleagues in our defence and security team. This involves writing conference abstracts, commentaries, blogs on topics ranging from space traffic management, space business ecosystems, international cooperation on space R&D. These will be collaborative across our UK and US offices.
• 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 space policy communities and the wider world.

Business development

• Co-ordinating, managing and supporting our civil space business development initiatives including supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals.
• 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.
• 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, and our civil space 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.

Personal qualities:

• 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.

Requirements

• A post graduate degree or equivalent experience in a relevant topic e.g. public policy, space policy, regulation, law, research, strategy, space science / engineering (please note this is not an engineering or technical role)
• A demonstrable interest in the above topics, also including space science, space sustainability, innovation ecosystems for space companies, space economics, security implications of space and international cooperation.
• Proven track record delivering and managing studies, research and/or evaluation projects
• 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.

Benefits

• Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
• 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
• Annual salary review;
• BUPA medical insurance;
• Generous company sick pay;
• Enhanced family friendly policies;
• Group income protection scheme;
• Group life assurance;
• Compassionate leave;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Employee wellbeing training and support;
• Fresh fruit every day;
• Free on-site parking;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Access to company bikes;
• Service awards.

Salary

Starting from £40,000 per annum
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 Sunday 1st December 2024

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