Research Assistant - Science and Emerging Technology

RAND Europe; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A research organization is seeking Research Assistants for its Cambridge office. The role focuses on three workstreams: Research & Innovation Policy, Emerging Technology Policy, or Energy & Environment Policy. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree and excellent communication skills. Responsibilities include supporting research projects, conducting literature reviews, and drafting reports. The salary is £28,000 annually, with flexible working and numerous benefits. Interested candidates should apply with a CV and cover letter by 11 January 2026.

Benefits

Pension – 8% Employer contribution

33 days holiday allowance

Annual salary review

BUPA medical insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) or equivalent experience in relevant areas.
• Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and their application.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams in research by conducting literature reviews and data analysis.
• Draft sections of reports and proofread documents under supervision.
• Communicate with clients and coordinate meetings.

Skills

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Basic report writing skills

Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methodologies

Intermediate Excel, Powerpoint and Word

Education

Postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) or equivalent experience

Job 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 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). See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/science-of-science.html
• 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. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/digital.html
• 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. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/environmental-sustainability-and-climate-change.html

We work with and for public, private and third sector funders and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.

We are seeking exceptional Research Assistants to join our Cambridge office. Multiple vacancies are available, focusing on one of three workstreams: Research & Innovation Policy, Emerging Technology Policy, or Energy & Environment Policy. 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.

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 (Masters or PhD) or equivalent experience in one of these areas.

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.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams in research by:
  • conducting literature reviews
  • conducting, supporting and transcribing interviews
  • undertaking analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
  • preparing presentations and research briefs
  • coordinating meetings and events, including taking minutes
• Analyse calls for tender to identify proposal requirements, with supervision
• Support the collation of administrative documents for proposals
• Draft sections of reports under supervision
• Proofread and check documents
• Make corporate contributions through supporting RAND processes such as quality assurance and research ethics
• Provide occasional corporate support with administrative tasks
• Communicate with clients with supervision

Requirements

• Postgraduate degree (Masters or PhD) or equivalent experience in one of these areas
• Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and their application
• Basic report writing skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Intermediate Excel, Powerpoint and Word

Please note this is a two-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. Please also note office attendance is required minimum once a week for team meetings.

Salary

£28,000 per annum

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

How To Apply

We are recruiting multiple Research Assistants within our Science and Emerging Technology team, with opportunities across all three workstreams; Research & Innovation Policy, Emerging Technology Policy, or Energy & Environment Policy. Please indicate in your cover letter which area(s) you are most interested working in.

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 11 January 2026. If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.