Research Analyst/Research Analyst (Frontier AI policy)

Rand; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A global research organization in the UK is seeking a researcher to support interdisciplinary projects on AI policy. This role involves managing external partnerships, shaping research agendas, and conducting rigorous evaluations on AI implications. Candidates should have experience with AI safety and security, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in relevant computational tools. The position offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Pension (8% employer contribution)

33 days holiday allowance

BUPA medical insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Employee wellbeing support

Cycle-to-work scheme

Access to company bikes

Qualifications

• Strong interest in AI and policy governance.
• Experience in AI and computational research.
• Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with EU and UK AI agencies.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to or manage interdisciplinary AI policy projects.
• Develop threat models for high-consequence AI risks.
• Translate research findings into policy-relevant insights.
• Collaborate with external partners and clients.

Skills

AI safety

AI security

Computational approaches

Analytical skills

Project management

Collaboration

Communication

Tools

Python

R

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Role Summary

RAND Europe is looking for a researcher to contribute to interdisciplinary projects on AI policy. The role involves supporting the SET research group, managing external partnerships, and helping to shape RAND’s research agenda.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to or manage interdisciplinary projects assessing the national and international policy implications of AI advances.
• Develop and operationalise threat models for high‑consequence risks associated with AI systems.
• Help design and execute rigorous, data‑driven evaluations of AI capabilities relevant to innovation, safety and security, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Translate technical research findings into clear, policy‑relevant insights and communicate results effectively to policymakers, industry and research stakeholders.
• Support the management of relationships with external partners, collaborators and clients.
• Work with the research team and the SET Director to develop research and strategy.
• Collaborate collegially and contribute to the development and profile of the wider organisation.
• Help raise RAND Europe’s profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.
• Oversee a range of administrative, coordination and scientific tasks related to client projects, and contribute to company and team initiatives.
• Attend the office at least one day per week and travel to client sites in London, Brussels and, occasionally, other locations.

Qualifications

• A strong interest in assessing AI capabilities, understanding AI safety and security risks, and advancing policies and frameworks for responsible governance of AI and other high‑consequence technologies.
• Demonstrable experience applying computational approaches grounded in AI platforms and tools to policy‑relevant research questions.
• Background or strong familiarity with one or more of AI safety, AI security, AI for good, computer engineering, science and technology policy, computational biology.
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills, and ability to communicate clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, ideally spanning technical and policy domains.
• Commitment to RAND Europe’s core values of quality, objectivity, collaboration, service and learning.
• Familiarity with EU and UK AI agencies, authorities, and policy development processes.
• Experience conducting rigorous mixed‑methods research, ideally including quantitative analysis and qualitative insight generation.
• Proven ability to use data science, AI modelling, or computational approaches to address policy‑relevant or scientific questions.
• Proficiency in relevant tools such as Python, R, or machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) is desirable.
• Experience working with government, research institutions or international organisations is desirable.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, and ability to balance multiple priorities and deliver on time and within budget.

Personal Qualities

• Curiosity and adaptability, with enthusiasm for working at the frontier of AI policy research.
• Proactive and self‑motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strategic thinker, capable of linking technical findings to broader policy and security implications.
• Strong communicator, able to explain complex analyses clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative and collegial, fostering a supportive team culture and sharing expertise openly.
• Commercially and policy aware, able to identify emerging opportunities for impact and growth.
• Open‑minded and intellectually humble, receptive to learning from colleagues across disciplines and levels of seniority.

Salary and Benefits

£35,000 per annum, with discretionary profit‑share bonuses paid twice a year. Benefits include pension (8% employer contribution), 33 days holiday allowance (including 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, and service awards.

About RAND Europe

RAND Europe is an independent, not‑for‑profit research organisation that helps improve policy and decision‑making through rigorous and independent research and analysis. With about 200 staff across Cambridge, Brussels and The Hague, RAND Europe brings together a diverse, multi‑disciplinary team to generate unique perspectives for government, foundations and NGOs. The Science and Emerging Technology team includes 30 researchers and focuses on frontier AI and emerging technologies. This role is based in RAND Europe’s Cambridge office and offers the opportunity to shape the emerging policy landscape around responsible AI and risk governance.