Research Leader/Senior Analyst - Biotechnology/Biosecurity - Emerging Techn

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 approximately 170 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. 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 (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 Research Leader/Senior Research Analyst to join the SET Research Group and lead / support business development and project delivery for our portfolio of emerging technology policy with a particular focus on biotechnology/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 leadership / 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 the SET Research Leader working on emerging biotechnology and co-leading the RAND Frontiers of Technology Hub.

REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrable experience in technology policy research with a focus on biotechnology/biosecurity. Proven expertise in managing / leading and delivering work on relevant topics related to technology policy.
• Experience of winning and 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.

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.