Research Leader - Emerging Biotechnology Policy in Cambridge

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 200 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.
• 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 to join the SET Research Group to help lead work in our Frontiers of Technology workstream with a particular focus on biotechnology and biosecurity. The ideal candidate would have experience of winning and leading projects for UK government / EU institutions or philanthropic clients on technology policy issues relevant to biotechnology or its intersection with AI and other platform technologies; however we are open to candidates with other experience of thought leadership, grant writing and business development in the biotechnology or biosecurity space.

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 have experience overseeing research teams to deliver research projects and will also have experience of business development and proposal writing. 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 identifying impactful opportunities, delivering projects, writing proposals, and committed to achieving impact through your work with other team members, in a collegiate environment. You will work closely with colleagues in RAND Frontiers of Technology Hub (FoT) and the RAND US Center for AI Security and Technology (CAST).

Responsibilities

• Research Leadership: Taking forward RAND Europe's successful research track record in technology policy research, developing and leading a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work. Providing thought leadership on technology policy issues. 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 securing funding for research 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. Consolidating and initiating networks and contacts with funders and collaborators in the biosecurity and wider biotechnology policy sector.
• 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, setting a collegiate tone and contributing to the development and profile of the wider organisation. Leading on innovative ways to raise RAND Europe's profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in technology policy/biotechnology research with understanding of biology.
• Proven expertise in leading work on relevant topics related to biotechnology policy including the ability to engage with complex technical content.
• Experience of delivering research projects on a range of technology policy issues. Ideal clients would include UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients.
• 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, in the field of biology.
• Evidence of leading teams, 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 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.

Personal qualities

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• Networking and sales presentation skills to build relationships, facilitate joint decision making and cultivate relationships with potential funders and collaborators.
• An inclusive, motivated leader and coach with the inspirational interpersonal skills to motivate a team, instil standards of excellence and develop people as appropriate for career progression.
• 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.
• 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.

We are interested in speaking with a range of candidates; if you think you are suited for the role but don’t have all the experience listed please still apply or reach out to our team to discuss further. This role will be based in one of RAND Europe's offices either Cambridge UK, Brussels, Belgium or The Hague, Netherlands. We typically ask staff to attend the office a minimum of one day per week. 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.

Benefits

Please see careers page for benefits associated with each location.

How To Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is 5th April 2026. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of the application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.