Urgent Research Leader

RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation whose mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research and analysis. We benefit the public interest through the impact and wide dissemination of over 200 projects per year. Our work at its most impactful changes policy, practice and process to the benefit of the public good. That is also our organisational mission

RAND Europe has approximately 200 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. Our staff represents 22 nationalities, speaks over 20 languages and covers 31 academic disciplines. Our multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to research generate unique perspectives and insights for our wide-ranging government, foundation and other NGO clients.

RAND Europe’s research is rigorously peer-reviewed, draws on extensive subject and methodological expertise, and is conducted in a professional, delivery‑oriented environment.

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 Science and Emerging Technology team comprises 30 researchers spanning research topics including research on research and emerging technology policy. 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.

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

We are looking for a Research Leader to help lead work in our R&I workstream. Areas of focus include research assessment, research culture, funding policy, and evaluation of R&I investments. For example, we are providing the technical support function for the UK Metascience Unit, and we are delivering a wide range of evaluation of R&I investments for UKRI and the European Commission. We have projects on topics spanning peer review, research misconduct, the use of AI in R&I, and international collaboration in science. We are looking for an individual with a track record of leading work of this type in the UK and/or at the EU level, with a proven ability to write proposals and win work as well as provide thought leadership in this space.

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 or 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.

Key responsibilities

Research Leadership

- Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in research and innovation policy, developing and managing a portfolio of large, complex evaluations and expanding into new areas of work.

- Providing thought leadership on research/evaluation approaches and R&I systems and strategy.

- Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of others’ project management and methodological skills.

- Taking a leading role in ensuring that RAND Europe’s research has a positive impact within policy communities.

Business development

- Contributing to the work of SET, through contributing to or supporting the delivery of research group target revenues and sales by securing funding for research and consultancy tasks and supporting others in doing so.

- Co‑ordinating, managing and supporting a portfolio of business development initiatives including leading and supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi‑partner proposals.

- Consolidating and initiating 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.

- As a senior member of the team, setting a collegiate tone and contributing to the development and profile of the wider organisation.

- Leading on innovative ways to raise RAND Europe’s profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.

- Proven track record developing and managing significant projects in an area of focus for our R&I portfolio (e.g. metascience, evaluations of R&I programmes,R&I policy and analysis, Scientometrics, Economic analysis of R&I).

- Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples) and the proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied audiences.

- Strong project management experience, including experience of budget preparation and management.

- Excellent evidence of working as part of a team, motivating others, mentoring and developing colleagues for career progression.

- 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 in light of 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.

- The networking and sales presentation skills to build relationships at senior levels, facilitate joint decision making and develop an order book of business with potential funders and collaborators.

- An inclusive, motivated leader and coach with the inspirational interpersonal skills to motivate a team, instil standards of excellence and develop people as appropriate for career progression.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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 £50,000 per annum, depending on experience

How to Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter below. Closing date for applications is 23rd November 2025.

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

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