Research Assistant - Science and Emerging Technology

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 Team (SET) 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

We work with and for public, private and third sector funders; and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.

We wish to recruit an exceptional candidate at the Research Assistant level to support our work on Research and Innovation Ecosystems. The role will be based in our Cambridge office, although our work is conducted in a hybrid format (minimum 1 day per week in the office). Fluency in English is essential and proficiency in one or more other languages would be an asset.

Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team members have backgrounds in science, innovation and technology policy, and other natural and social science disciplines. We are looking for applicants with a postgraduate degree (minimum Masters level) or equivalent experience in policy or science.

The role of the Research Assistant will be to:

• Support the team with administrative tasks required for the smooth running of the team and wider organisation, including identifying potential business opportunities, collation of administrative documents for proposals, overseeing access to tender portals, upkeeping internal databases for track record, etc.

• Contribute to ongoing research by:
• Supporting the conduct of literature reviews and desk research
• Participating in, supporting and transcribing interviews
• Contributing to analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• Preparing presentations and research briefs
• Coordinating meetings and events, including taking minute

• Draft sections of reports and proposals under supervision
• Proofread and check documents
• Make corporate contributions through supporting RAND processes such as quality assurance and research ethics
• Provide corporate support with administrative tasks

• Passion to support evidence generation to inform policy making on research and innovation ecosystems, including research evaluation, impact assessment, research culture and environment, systems strategy and metascience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Good time management skills
• Ability to work on more than one project at a given time
• Ability to engage with a new subject quickly
• Intermediate Excel, Powerpoint and Word
• Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and their application
• Good report writing skills

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.

Please note this is a 2-year fixed term position. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role, please ensure you have the ongoing right to work in the UK. 

• 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. Closing date for applications is 6th April 2025.

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