Research Leader

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.

We wish to recruit an experienced Research Leader in Space Security within our Defence, Security and Justice (DSJ) research group, to help run the RAND Europe Space Hub (RESH). The focus of this role is to lead our growing portfolio of space-related research for governmental clients, with a particular focus on space security and wider space policy, governance, regulatory or capability issues.

The DSJ research group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond. Our clients include UK government departments and agencies (e.g. Ministry of Defence, Home Office, FCDO, DSIT, UK Space Agency), other national governments (e.g. Dutch), EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, EDA, European Parliament), and international defence and security organisations (e.g. NATO, United Nations), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.

Our work covers a broad range of public policy issues across:

- Defence (defence strategy, policy, capability, and acquisition; defence economics; defence workforce and Armed Forces community)

- Security (terrorism; counter-violent extremism; human security; border security; energy security; resilience and cyber)

- Criminal Justice (rehabilitation and preventing crime; organised crime; law enforcement cooperation; drugs and illicit markets)

DSJ researchers also participate in the RAND Europe Space Hub (RESH), a cross-RAND centre of excellence for space-related research, analysis and wargaming. This cross-cutting hub involves ~15 RAND staff and draws both on the defence and security-focused space expertise of the DSJ research group and the civil and commercial space expertise of the Science and Emerging Technology (SET) research group.

The successful applicant will lead business development and project delivery for our portfolio of space security research. We are particularly looking for an individual with experience of winning, designing and delivering space-related projects for national governments and militaries in the UK and Europe and/or for international defence organisations (e.g. EU, ESA, NATO).

We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of space security and defence issues; space strategy, policy, governance and regulatory issues more broadly, both at the national and international level; and trends in space capabilities, technologies and industry. Ideally, you will have experience of employing a variety of research and analysis methods as part of a multi-method approach to dealing with complex space-related challenges. You will also be experienced at leading and managing the delivery of projects working with a team of researchers, and have strong policy analysis skills.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership

- Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in space security and space policy issues, and leading / supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work.

- Contributing to the group’s thought leadership on space security and the wider implications of the space domain for defence and security policy issues.

- Mentoring more junior research staff and facilitating the development of others’ project management, leadership and methodological skills.

- Helping ensure that RAND Europe’s research has a positive impact within policy communities and the wider world.

- Engaging with the RAND US’s Space Enterprise Initiative (RSEI) to leverage the expertise available across RAND’s global footprint, as well as playing a leading role in the RAND Europe Space Hub (RESH).

Business development

- Contributing to and supporting the delivery of DSJ group revenue and sales targets 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 – in particular relating to our space portfolio.

- Building networks and contacts with funders and collaborators.

Group and other responsibilities

- Working with team members and the DSJ Senior Leadership Team and Research Group Director to deliver the group’s strategic objectives.

- 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.

Qualifications

- Demonstrable experience in leading/managing the design and delivery of space-related research. Ideally candidates will have experience of delivering projects for national governments, militaries or space agencies in the UK/EU.

- Demonstrable experience in using a variety of research methods to inform policy on space security, defence and policy issues, and a proven ability to articulate the value of research in a defence and security context.

- Experience of integrating multiple research and analysis methods as part of multi-method approaches to problem solving and/or policy research.

- Experience of winning and delivering research projects for UK, European or international defence organisations and funders.

- Strong networks of professional connections across the space security, defence, and policy community in the UK, Europe and further afield.

- 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 the findings of research to policy audiences.

- Strong project leadership / management experience, including experience of people management, stakeholder management and budgeting.

- Proven ability to distil complex information and engage with detail whilst considering bigger picture issues and to message research and analysis findings clearly, succinctly and in consideration of target audiences.

- Eligible for, and willing to obtain, relevant national (e.g., UK) and/or NATO security clearance where required as part of the role.

Personal Qualities

- Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.

- Networking 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, public 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.

- 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 for a Research Leader

How to Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is 7th December August 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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