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.

The Science and Emerging Technology(SET) group at RAND Europe 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 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 (including topics like researcher mobility, researcher wellbeing and open science). See: (url removed)

• 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 oversight; trust and ethics; public engagement; and work and skills.  See: (url removed)
• 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. See: (url removed)

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

We wish to recruit a Research Leader to help lead our energy and environment policy portfolio in our Cambridge office.

The focus of this role is to lead business development and project delivery for our portfolio of energy and environment research projects. We are particularly looking for an individual with experience winning and delivering projects for Defra and/or DESNZ on energy and/or environment issues. Although these clients are our primary focus in the first instance, we also anticipate any individual conducting work for a wider range of clients which could include the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), WWF and relevant charities and foundations. We are looking for an individual with experience conducting policy relevant research, a proven interest in energy and/or environment research and policy, and with a proven ability to write proposals and win work as well as provide thought leadership in this space. Our work has spanned a range of areas including food systems, climate-related topics, transport, green jobs, energy innovation and organisational sustainability, and we are open to individuals with a range of different interests within these and other related areas.

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 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.

Research Leadership

• Building and developing RAND Europe’s portfolio in energy and environment policy research, building relationships with clients and collaborators, and growing and nurturing a portfolio of impactful work.
• Providing thought leadership on energy and environment policy, strategy and evaluation.
• Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of others' project management and methodological skills.
• Taking a leading role in ensuring that RAND Europe’s research has a positive impact within policy communities.

 Business development

• Contributing to the work of SET, through contributing to or supporting the delivery of research group target revenues and sales by helping secure funding for research and consultancy tasks and supporting others in doing so.
• Co-ordinating, managing and supporting a portfolio of business development initiatives including leading and supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals.
• Building networks and contacts with funders and collaborators

 Group and other responsibilities

• Working with other team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET’s research and strategy.
• As a senior member of the team, cultivating relationships across teams within the organisation that may lead to cross-team collaboration, 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.

Requirements

• Experience in policy research, with a demonstrable interest in energy and/or environment research and policy. Disciplinary background is less important than proven expertise in managing and delivering work on relevant topics.
• Experience winning and delivering research for Defra and/or DESNZ in this area. Ideally the candidate would also have experience working for wider clients to deliver policy-relevant research but prior experience working for one or both of these organisations is a prerequisite.
• 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.  
• Strong project management experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.

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.

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 02/06/24.

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