Senior Research Analyst - R&I policy/Metascience

Rand Europe; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected research organization in Cambridge seeks a Senior Analyst to lead research on research and innovation (R&I) policy. The ideal candidate will manage projects, mentor researchers, and contribute to impactful policy evaluations. This role offers a starting salary from £40,000 annually and includes various benefits like flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Pension - 8% Employer contribution

33 days holiday allowance

BUPA medical insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in policy research and evaluation, especially in R&I.
• Skills in motivating and mentoring team members.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects in research and evaluation on R&I policies.
• Manage business development initiatives and proposals.
• Support and mentor junior researchers.

Skills

Policy research experience

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Job description

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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 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.

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.

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 our R&I workstream. Areas of focus include research assessment, research culture, funding policy, and evaluation of R&I investments. For example, we are providing the technical support function for the UK Metascience Unit, and we are delivering a wide range of evaluation of R&I investments for UKRI and the European Commission. We have projects on topics spanning peer review, research misconduct, the use of AI in R&I, and international collaboration in science. We are looking for an individual with a track record of leading work of this type in the UK and/or at the EU level, with a proven ability to write proposals and win work as well as provide thought leadership in this space.

The role holder will also be accountable for working with senior colleagues in supporting and motivating the R&I workstream and wider SET 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.

Key responsibilities

Research development

• Working with senior leaders to take forward RAND Europe's successful research track record in policy research on R&I, supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of research and evaluation projects and expanding into new areas of work.
• Contributing to the team's thought leadership on R&I policy issues.
• Mentoring research staff and supporting the 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

• Co-ordinating, managing and supporting a portfolio of business development initiatives including supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi‑partner proposals - in particular relating to our emerging technology strategy and portfolio.
• Building networks and contacts with funders and collaborators in the R&I policy sector

Group and other responsibilities

• Working with team members and the Research Group Director to deliver 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

• Experience in policy research and/or evaluation projects focusing on R&I policy. Areas of previous expertise should include one or more of the following: Metascience, Economic analysis of R&I policy/investments, Scientometrics
• working as part of a team, motivating others, mentoring and actively developing colleagues for skills and career progression.
• analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples) and the proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied internal and external audiences.
• project management experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.
• Experience in delivering and managing research and/or evaluation projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients
• Evidence of working as part of a team to deliver on policy research and evaluation projects
• A 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:

• 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.
• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• The networking and interpersonal skills to build relationships, facilitate joint decision making and cultivate relationships with potential funders and collaborators.
• 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, through a hybrid working model (minimum of one day per week in the office). 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 from £40,000 per annum, depending on 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.

How to Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter below. Closing date for applications is Sunday 4th January 2026.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.