Research Analyst - Data Science - Science and Emerging Technology

RAND Europe is a not-for-profit organisation that conducts independent research.  Our mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis.  We have a track record of providing expert advice that directly influences policy decisions in the UK and across Europe. 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.

We are also 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 an Analyst in our Science and Emerging Technology team (SET) based out of our Cambridge office, in a hybrid team (minimum 1 day per week in the office). The role offers opportunities to support our broad portfolio of policy research in research and innovation ecosystems.

About the team

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 Technologygroup 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 ecosystems: 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, research culture, and assessment of research impact. See: RAND Europe Research on Research | RAND
• Emerging technology policy: Analysis of the trends, applications and impacts of new and emerging technologies. 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: Frontiers of Technology | RAND
• Environment and sustainability policy: Analysis of food systems and strategy, futures analysis of sustainability and environmental issues, environment and health, climate-related topics, energy and energy innovation. See: RAND Europe Research on Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change | RAND
• Civil Space: Leading studies, evaluations and strategy development on cutting edge civil space policy topics, including access to space, major mission reviews and space R&D funding strategies. See: Civil Space | RAND

As an Analyst, you will:

• Collect and analyse quantitative data to support our Research and Innovation Ecosystems portfolio of work within the Science and Emerging Technology research group
• Typical methods include text-mining, web scraping, bibliometric analysis, thematic analysis, content analysis, topic modelling, social network analysis, surveys, econometrics, and data visualisation techniques.
• Help to project manage research tasks, ensuring they are delivered within time, and to budget, communicating with clients and collaborators, and working within small project teams
• Contribute to writing project reports and other research outputs, such as conference/workshop presentations, articles in peer-reviewed journals (or equivalent) and blog posts
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposal- and grant-writing and other business-winning activities.

We are looking for a talented individual to join our high-performing research group who can support our research and analysis activities with a flexible and collaborative approach and interest in research and innovation policy. We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of how data science can inform policymaking, and experience of using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore policy issues related to research and innovation policy.

Requirements

• Qualified to post graduate degree level or equivalent, ideally with work experience beyond university in the field of policy, consultancy or research.
• Fluency in English is also essential and proficiency in other EU languages would be useful.
• Proven track record using data science driven approach in policy research.
• Expertise of explaining data science to non-technical audiences including colleagues and clients.
• Strong project management skills, including experience of delivering projects on time and to budget.
• A demonstrable interest in the policy areas related to research and innovation ecosystems.
• Evidence of working as part of a team to deliver policy research studies.
• Strong conceptual and structured thinking skills, coupled with excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples).
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied audiences (technical and non-technical).
• 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.
• Experience of writing, editing and disseminating policy research reports.

RAND Europe has an extensive skills and development programme that will build your capabilities and equip you for the range of challenging and exciting tasks that we will ask you to work on. You will also have dedicated support for your personal development.

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 £30,000 per annum

Application

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 21 April. First stage interviews will be conducted via teams on w/c 5th May. Second stage interviews will be conducted in person at our Cambridge office on w/c 12th May.

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