Senior Research Analyst

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 The Hague and employs approximately 200 staff.

The Science and Emerging Technology (SET) research group at RAND Europe conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of policy research broadly covering three main areas:

- Emerging technology policy: Analysis of the trends, applications and impacts of new and emerging technologies from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to quantum technology and virtual 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 governance; trust and ethics; public engagement; and work and skills. See https://www.rand.org/randeurope/initiatives/frontiers-of-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.
- Energy and environment policy: Energy and energy innovation, climate risk and policy, food systems and strategy, green jobs and skills, transport, and futures analysis of environment and sustainability issues.

We are looking for a Senior Analyst to join the SET Research Group and support business development and project delivery for our portfolio of emerging technology policy with a particular focus on biotechnology and biosecurity.

We are particularly looking for an individual with experience of winning and delivering projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients on technology policy issues relevant to biotechnology or its intersection with AI and other platform technologies.

We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of technology development, the challenges and opportunities, associated policy issues, and future implications. The role holder will have experience of using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore these issues. You will be experienced at project coordination and management, supporting the delivery of projects working with a team of researchers, and have strong 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 technology policy research portfolio, managing groups of talented researchers, and publicising 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. You will work closely with colleagues in RAND Frontiers of Technology Hub and the RAND US Meselson Center.

Key Responsibilities

Research development

- Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in technology policy research and supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work.
- Contributing to the team’s thought leadership on technology policy issues.
- 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

- 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 biosecurity and wider biotechnology policy sector

Group and other responsibilities

- Working with team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET’s research and strategy in technology policy.
- 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.

- Demonstrable experience in technology policy/biotechnology research with understanding of biology. Proven expertise in managing and delivering work on relevant topics related to biotechnology policy with ability to digest scientific publications.
- Experience of delivering research projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients on a range of technology policy issues.
- Experience of working in the technology sector. We are interested in a range of perspectives – your experience could be through technology development, academic research, civil society and advocacy, or the public sector. We are also interested in engaging with candidates who have practical experience in the application and implementation of computational biology, bioinformatics and use of machine learning models, for instance.
- Evidence 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. You should have demonstrable experience of writing, editing and disseminating policy research reports.
- Strong project management / leadership experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.
- 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.

Personal qualities

- Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
- 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 and high-quality research, customer service and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks, and work to tight deadlines.
- Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as training.
- Self-starter and pro-active, and 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.

We welcome applications from a range of experience levels, from those slightly below to those exceeding our criteria.

This role will be based in RAND Europe’s UK office, 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 and occasionally further afield.

Salary

Starting from £30,000 per annum at Research Analyst level

Starting from £40,000 per annum at Senior Research Analyst level

- 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.

Application

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter below by 16th November 2025. Please note we will be interviewing suitable applicants as they apply.

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

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