Senior Research Analyst - Energy and Environment Policy in Cambridge

Description

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 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) 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 Science and Emerging Technology team comprises 30 researchers spanning research topics including research on research and emerging technology policy.

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 wish to recruit a Senior Research Analyst to support our broad portfolio of policy research, with a particular focus on Energy and Environment policy, in our Cambridge office.

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.

We are looking for a Senior Analyst to join the SET research group.

The focus of this role is to support business development and project delivery across the varied SET portfolio.

We are particularly looking for an individual with experience of winning and delivering projects for DESNZ and/or Defra and/or EU institutions on energy and/or climate and/or environment issues, but our work within SET has also spanned a range of areas including food systems, climate-related topics, transport, green jobs, energy innovation and organisational sustainability.

The successful candidate will have experience of conducting policy relevant research, ability to conduct varied research/evaluation, and ability to manage and support delivery of complex projects working with a team of researchers.

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, 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.

Responsibilities

• Research Leadership
• Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in policy research on energy and environment, supporting the delivery of a portfolio of large, complex research projects and expanding into new areas of work.
• Mentoring research staff and facilitating 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
• 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 within and outside the team.
• Co-ordinating, managing and helping to lead a portfolio of business development initiatives including 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.
• 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.

Requirements

Demonstrable experience in policy research.

Proven expertise in managing and delivering work on relevant topics such as energy infrastructure and supply chains, net zero, and the green economy.

• Excellent 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.

Personal qualities

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• The networking and sales presentation 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 research, customer service and the ability to project manage multiple tasks and work to tight deadlines.
• 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, working alongside RAND Europe colleagues, though we have a hybrid working model with the option to work mostly from home ( minimum of one day per week in the office on average , with some flexibility).

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.

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 below by 10th Aug 2026.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful. 1st stage interviews are currently scheduled to take place from the 1st to 4th September 2026.