Research Leader - Emerging Technology and Foresight (Defence and Security)

at  RAND Europe

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 Rotterdam and employs approximately 170 staff.

WE WISH TO RECRUIT AN EXPERIENCED RESEARCH LEADER IN OUR DEFENCE AND SECURITY RESEARCH GROUP BASED IN CAMBRIDGE TO FOCUS ON AND LEAD OUR GROWING PORTFOLIO OF WORK ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN A DEFENCE CONTEXT, ESPECIALLY RELATING TO AI AND THE USE OF FORESIGHT METHODS.

The Defence and Security 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 (e.g. Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Office for Veterans Affairs), EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament), national and international defence and security organisations (e.g. national defence departments, NATO), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.

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

• Defence (defence strategy policy, capability, and acquisition, the defence industrial base and innovation, defence economics, science and technology analysis, space, gaming and foresight)
• Security (terrorism; counter-violent extremism; human security; border security; energy security; resilience and cyber)

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL LEAD / SUPPORT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECT DELIVERY FOR OUR PORTFOLIO OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY, AI AND FORESIGHT WORK. WE ARE PARTICULARLY LOOKING FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WITH EXPERIENCE OF WINNING AND DELIVERING PROJECTS FOR UK, EU OR INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE ORGANISATIONS (E.G. NATO) ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGY, AI, AND/OR FORESIGHT.

We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of emerging technologies, especially AI, the defence ecosystem for emerging technologies, and the challenges, opportunities, and implications of their use in a defence context. The role holder will have experience of using foresight research methods to explore these issues (e.g. horizon scanning, systems analysis, scenario analysis). You will be experienced at research project management, leading the delivery of projects working with a team of researchers, and have strong policy analysis skills.

REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrable experience in emerging technology, AI and foresight policy research. Proven expertise in leading / managing and delivering work on relevant topics related to technology policy.
• Demonstrable experience in using futures and foresight methods in emerging technology research, as well as proven ability to articulate the value of futures and foresight research in this field.
• Experience of winning and delivering research projects for UK, EU or international defence organisations and funders.
• 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 leadership / management 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.

GROUP AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working with team members and the Defence and Security 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.