Senior Research Analyst - Evaluation

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 140 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.

We wish to recruit a Senior Research Analyst in our Science and Emerging Technology team (SET) based out of our Cambridge office, in a hybrid team (minimum 1 day per week in the office).The role is aimed at an evaluation-focused researcher/manager and offers opportunities to support our broad portfolio of policy research in R&I, emerging technology, and energy and environment.

SET team members have backgrounds spanning a wide range of natural and social science disciplines. We work with and for public, private and third sector funders and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.

The Science and Emerging Technology team comprises 20 researchers spanning ‘research on research’, energy and environment, and emerging technology policy. The team is currently working on topics including space technology, the funding of R&D and universities, research impact, international development funding, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy and climate, and sustainability. We also regularly work collaboratively across the other three RAND Europe teams in defence and security, home affairs and social policy, and health and wellbeing. We work for clients in the UK (BEIS, UKRI, Wellcome), the European Commission, national governments and multinational organisations around the world.

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.

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.

Research and Evaluation Leadership

• Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in policy evaluation and research, supporting the delivery of a portfolio of large, complex evaluations and expanding into new areas of work.
• Contributing to the team’s and wider RAND evaluation work by participation in evaluation working groups, supporting other teams with bids and broader evaluation scholarship (e.g. delivering evaluation training, presenting at evaluation conferences).
• 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 leading bids to secure funding for research and evaluation 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 and evaluation findings to maximise impact e.g. via subject-specific or UK/EU evaluation conferences.

Requirements

• Experience in evaluation with a particular focus on R&I. Disciplinary background is less important than proven expertise in winning and delivering work on relevant topics. Knowledge and experience of the UK Government’s Magenta and Green Books is essential, and experience in economic/VfM evaluation is a plus.
• Excellent evidence of leading and working as part of internal and external teams, motivating others, mentoring and actively developing colleagues’ 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.
• Strong project management experience, including experience of budget preparation, project planning, partner (as part of consortia) and people management.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied audiences.
• 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.

This role will be based in RAND Europe’s Cambridge 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

• 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.