Research Assistant - Research and Innovation Ecosystems

RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation whose mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research and analysis. We benefit the public interest through the impact and wide dissemination of over 200 projects per year. Our work at its most impactful changes policy, practice and process to the benefit of the public good. That is also our organisational mission.

RAND Europe has approximately 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. Our staff represents 22 nationalities, speaks over 20 languages and covers 31 academic disciplines. Our multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to research generate unique perspectives and insights for our wide-ranging government, foundation and other NGO clients. RAND Europe’s research is rigorously peer-reviewed, draws on extensive subject and methodological expertise, and is conducted in a professional, delivery-oriented environment.

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).
• 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.
• 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 wish to recruit an exceptional candidate at the Research Assistant level to support our work on Research and Innovation Ecosystems. The role will be based in our Cambridge office, although our work is conducted in a hybrid format (minimum 1 day per week in the office). Fluency in English is essential and proficiency in one or more other languages would be an asset.

Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team members have backgrounds in science, innovation and technology policy, and other natural and social science disciplines. We are looking for applicants with a postgraduate degree (minimum Masters level) or equivalent experience in policy or science.

The role of the Research Assistant will be to:

• Support the team with administrative tasks required for the smooth running of the team and wider organisation, including identifying potential business opportunities, collation of administrative documents for proposals, overseeing access to tender portals, upkeeping internal databases for track record, etc.
• Contribute to ongoing research by:

• Supporting the conduct of literature reviews and desk research
• Participating in, supporting and transcribing interviews
• Contributing to analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• Preparing presentations and research briefs
• Coordinating meetings and events, including taking minutes
• Drafting sections of reports and proposals under supervision
• Proofreading and checking documents
• Making corporate contributions through supporting RAND processes such as quality assurance and research ethics
• Providing corporate support with administrative tasks

Passion to support evidence generation to inform policy making on research and innovation ecosystems, including research evaluation, impact assessment, research culture and environment, systems strategy and metascience.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Good time management skills. Ability to work on more than one project at a given time. Ability to engage with a new subject quickly. Intermediate Excel, PowerPoint and Word. Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and their application. Good report writing skills.

RAND Europe has an extensive skills and development programme that will build your capabilities and equip you for the range of challenging and exciting tasks that we will ask you to work on. You will also have dedicated support for your personal development.

Please note this is a 2-year fixed term position. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role, please ensure you have the ongoing right to work in the UK.

Salary: £27,500 per annum. 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.

Application: We are currently looking to recruit multiple Research Assistant roles within our Science and Emerging Technology team, including a separate job posting for someone to work in our Emerging technology policy and Energy and environment policy portfolio. Please only submit one application to the most relevant/applicable role. If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. Closing date for applications is 22 June 2025. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.