Senior Research Analyst/Research Analyst - Data Science

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) 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.html

•  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/science-of-science.html
• 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/environmental-sustainability-and-climate-change.html

• 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.

We are looking for an Analyst or Senior Analyst to join the SET Research Group and support business development and project delivery across the varied SET portfolio with a particular focus on where data science could be used to strengthen the evidence. We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of how data science can inform policy-making, and experience of using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore policy issues of interest to SET. You will be experienced at project coordination and management, supporting the delivery of complex projects working with a team of researchers, and have strong data science and 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 broad portfolio, managing groups of talented researchers, and raising the impact of 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 policy research, supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of 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 and 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.
• 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 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.

Requirements

• Proven track record using data science driven approach in policy research (including programme evaluations).
• Expertise of explaining data science to non-technical audiences including colleagues and clients.
• Strong project management experience, including experience of delivering projects on time and to budget.
• A demonstrable interest in the policy areas in which SET works.
• 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.

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 manage multiple projects and tasks, and work to tight deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding their knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as training.
• Self-starter and pro-active, and is 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 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.