Senior Research Analyst - Emerging Biotechnology in Cambridge

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.

RAND Europe has approximately 200 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Hague. 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.

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:

• 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 biosecurity, technology oversight, 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 metascience research.
• 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 Senior Analyst to join the SET Research Group and support business development and project delivery for our portfolio of emerging technology policy with a particular focus on biotechnology and biosecurity. The role is based in the Cambridge office. We offer a flexible hybrid working pattern but would expect the successful candidate to be present in the office at least one day per week. Fluency in English is essential and proficiency in one or more other languages would be an asset.

The ideal candidate will combine strong policy research and project leadership skills with a background in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or a related life sciences discipline. We are looking for an individual with experience of winning and delivering projects for UK government, EU institutions, and/or philanthropic clients on policy issues relevant to biosecurity, the intersection of biotechnology with AI and other platform technologies, and biosurveillance.

We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of biosecurity, biological surveillance, emerging biotechnologies, and the associated policy, governance and future risk implications. The role holder will have experience using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore these issues. They will be experienced at project coordination and management, supporting the delivery of projects in collaboration with a team of researchers, and will have strong policy analysis skills.

The role holder will also be accountable for working with senior colleagues to support and motivate the SET research group on a day-to-day basis, leading the development and growth of our biosecurity and surveillance 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 be committed to achieving impact through your work with other team members, in a collegiate environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Research development: Advance RAND Europe’s successful research track record in biosecurity, biological surveillance and biotechnology policy, supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work. Contribute to the team’s thought leadership on biosecurity, surveillance and biotechnology policy issues. Mentor junior research staff and support the development of colleagues’ project management, policy analysis and methodological skills.
• Business development: Coordinate, manage and support a portfolio of business development initiatives including bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals, in particular relating to our biotechnology strategy and portfolio. Build networks and relationships with funders and collaborators across the biosecurity, surveillance, biotechnology and wider life sciences policy sectors.
• Group and other responsibilities: Work with team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET’s research and strategy in biosecurity, surveillance and biotechnology policy. Work in a collegiate manner and contribute to the development and profile of the wider organisation. Help to raise RAND Europe’s profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in biosecurity, biological surveillance, biotechnology policy or related research, supported by a background in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or a closely related discipline.
• Proven expertise in managing and delivering work on relevant topics, with the ability to understand, assess and synthesise scientific publications and technical evidence.
• Experience of delivering research projects for UK government, EU institutions and/or philanthropic clients on a range of biosecurity, surveillance, science policy or biotechnology policy issues.
• Experience of working in the life sciences, biotechnology, surveillance or wider science and technology sector.
• Evidence of working as part of a team, motivating others, mentoring and actively developing colleagues in their skills and career progression.
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills and proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied internal and external audiences.
• Strong project management and leadership experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.

Desirable: experience working on issues such as pathogen surveillance, biosafety, biosecurity governance, pandemic preparedness or emerging biological risks.

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 business development skills to build relationships, facilitate joint decision making and cultivate relationships with potential funders and collaborators. Hands-on, team player with a strong commitment to rigorous and high-quality research, customer service and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks while working to tight deadlines. Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as training. Self-starter and proactive, and comfortable working with ambiguity as well as process. Open-minded, with the humility to recognise success in others and accept challenge from highly capable junior members of the team.

We welcome applications from a range of experience levels, from those slightly below to those exceeding our criteria.

Salary: Starting salary of £41,000 per annum for those that meet the minimum requirements, with flexibility for those with more experience.

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.

Application: 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 now Sunday 4th October 2026. Interviews will be taking place between 12th - 22nd October 2026. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.