Senior Research Analyst - Research and Innovation Policy (Evaluation)

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.

The Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team members have backgrounds spanning a wide range of natural and social science disciplines. We collaborate widely with like-minded academic organisations, consultancies and think tanks across Europe, with the RAND Corporation in the U.S., and we have and continue to build strong research partnerships with collaborators internationally.

The team comprises 30 researchers spanning research topics including research and innovation (R&I) policy and practice, emerging technology policy, and energy and environment research. 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.

We are looking for a Senior Research Analyst to join our R&I workstream. Areas of focus include evaluation of R&I policy, research assessment, research culture, and funding policy and practice. For example, we are delivering a wide range of evaluations of R&I projects and investments for UKRI and the European Commission. We are also providing the technical support function for the UK Metascience Unit.

We have projects on topics spanning research infrastructure, the use of AI in R&I, scientometrics, peer review, research misconduct, and international collaboration in science. We are looking for an experienced evaluation specialist with a track record of leading work of this type in the UK and/or at the EU level, and with a proven ability to write proposals and win work as well as provide thought leadership in this space.

This is an exciting opportunity working with the one of the world’s most respected public policy research organisations. It is ideally suited to an individual who is used to leading or managing policy research / evaluations and who wishes to make a real impact on policy, working alongside a very talented team in a collegiate environment.

The role holder will also be accountable for working with senior colleagues in supporting and motivating the R&I workstream and wider SET group on a day-to-day basis, managing groups of talented researchers, and publicising our work through a range of communications and outreach activities. You will be flexible in your approach to delivering projects, writing proposals, and multitasking, and committed to achieving impact through your work with other talented team members, in a collegiate environment.

Successful candidates will have:

• Experience in evaluation projects and/or policy research focusing on R&I policy. Areas of previous expertise should include one or more of the following:
1. Analysis of R&I policy/investments
1. Scientometrics
2. Research Assessment
• Experience 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.  
• Strong project management experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.

Key Responsibilities

Research development

• Working with senior leaders to take forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in policy research on R&I, supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio or research and evaluation projects and expanding into new areas of work.
• Contributing to the team’s thought leadership on R&I policy issues.
• Mentoring research staff and supporting the 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

• 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 in the R&I policy sector

 Group and other responsibilities

• Working with team members and the Research Group Director to deliver 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.