Senior Research Analyst - Research and Innovation Policy (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 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. The Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team members have backgrounds spanning a wide range of natural and social science disciplines. We collaborate widely with like-minded academic organisations, consultancies and think tanks across Europe, with the RAND Corporation in the U.S., and we have and continue to build strong research partnerships with collaborators internationally. The team comprises 30 researchers spanning research topics including research and innovation (R&I) policy and practice, emerging technology policy, and energy and environment research. 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. We are looking for a Senior Research Analyst to join our R&I workstream. Areas of focus include evaluation of R&I policy, research assessment, research culture, and funding policy and practice. For example, we are delivering a wide range of evaluations of R&I projects and investments for UKRI and the European Commission. We are also providing the technical support function for the UK Metascience Unit . We have projects on topics spanning research infrastructure, the use of AI in R&I, scientometrics, peer review, research misconduct, and international collaboration in science. We are looking for an experienced evaluation specialist with a track record of leading work of this type in the UK and/or at the EU level, and with a proven ability to write proposals and win work as well as provide thought leadership in this space. This is an exciting opportunity working with the one of the world’s most respected public policy research organisations. It is ideally suited to an individual who is used to leading or managing policy research / evaluations and who wishes to make a real impact on policy, working alongside a very talented team in a collegiate environment. The role holder will also be accountable for working with senior colleagues in supporting and motivating the R&I workstream and wider SET group on a day-to-day basis, managing groups of talented researchers, and publicising our work through a range of communications and outreach activities. You will be flexible in your approach to delivering projects, writing proposals, and multitasking, and committed to achieving impact through your work with other talented team members, in a collegiate environment. Successful candidates will have: Experience in evaluation projects and/or policy research focusing on R&I policy. Areas of previous expertise should include one or more of the following: Analysis of R&I policy/investments Scientometrics Research Assessment Experience 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. Strong project management experience , including experience of budget preparation and people management. Key Responsibilities Research development Working with senior leaders to take forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in policy research on R&I, supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio or research and evaluation projects and expanding into new areas of work. Contributing to the team’s thought leadership on R&I policy issues. Mentoring research staff and supporting the 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 Co-ordinating, managing and supporting a portfolio of business development initiatives including supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals – in particular relating to our emerging technology strategy and portfolio. Building networks and contacts with funders and collaborators in the R&I policy sector Group and other responsibilities Working with team members and the Research Group Director to deliver 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 findings to maximise impact.

Experience in delivering evaluation projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients Demonstrable experience working in R&I policy research Evidence of working as part of a team to deliver on policy research and evaluation projects Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples) and the proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied audiences. A 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. Demonstrable project management experience, including experience of running projects to budget. Personal qualities: Hands-on, team player with a strong commitment to rigorous research, customer service and the ability to project manage multiple tasks and work to tight deadlines. Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives. The networking and interpersonal skills to build relationships, facilitate joint decision making and cultivate relationships with potential funders and collaborators. Enthusiastic about learning new skills and knowledge, and in contributing to people development initiatives, such as training Self-starter with high energy levels, who is comfortable working with ambiguity as well as process, and quick to spot a commercial opportunity. Open minded, with the humility to recognise success in others and accept challenge from highly capable junior members of the team. This role will be based in RAND Europe’s Cambridge office, through a hybrid working model (minimum of one day per week in the office). 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.

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. How to Apply If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter below. Closing date for applications is Sunday 17th May 2026. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.