Research Leader/Senior Analyst – Biotechnology/Biosecurity – Emerging Technology

Job title:

Research Leader/Senior Analyst – Biotechnology/Biosecurity – Emerging Technology

Company

Rand Europe

Job description

RAND is a not-for-profit research institute with over 30 years of experience in conducting policy research for governments, international organisations, research councils, charitable foundations, and other organisations. We believe that good research helps shape sound answers to pressing societal challenges, ultimately making communities safer and more secure, healthier and more prosperous in the future. RAND Europe has approximately 170 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. We work with and for public, private and third sector funders and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.The Science and Emerging Technology (SET) research group at RAND Europe conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of policy research broadly covering three main areas:

• 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 governance; trust and ethics; public engagement; and work and skills. See
• 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.
• 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 Research Leader/Senior Research Analyst to join the SET Research Group and lead / support business development and project delivery for our portfolio of emerging technology policy with a particular focus on biotechnology/biosecurity.We are particularly looking for an individual with experience of winning and delivering projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients on technology policy issues relevant to biotechnology or its intersection with AI and other platform technologies.We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of technology development, the challenges and opportunities, associated policy issues, and future implications. The role holder will have experience of using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore these issues. You will be experienced at project coordination and leadership / management, supporting the delivery of projects working with a team of researchers, and have strong policy analysis skills.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, leading the development and growth of our technology 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 committed to achieving impact through your work with other team members, in a collegiate environment. You will work closely with working on emerging biotechnology and co-leading the RAND Frontiers of Technology Hub.Key ResponsibilitiesResearch Leadership

• Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in technology policy research and supporting / leading the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work.
• Contributing to the team’s thought leadership on technology policy issues.
• 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

• 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 biosecurity and wider biotechnology policy sector

Group and other responsibilities

• Working with team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET’s research and strategy in technology policy.
• 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 technology policy research with a focus on biotechnology/biosecurity. Proven expertise in managing / leading and delivering work on relevant topics related to technology policy.
• Experience of winning and delivering research projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients on a range of technology policy issues.
• Experience of working in the technology sector. We are interested in a range of perspectives – your experience could be through technology development, academic research, civil society and advocacy, or the public sector. We are also interested in engaging with candidates who have practical experience in the application and implementation of computational biology, bioinformatics and use of machine learning models, for instance.
• 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. You should have demonstrable experience of writing, editing and disseminating policy research reports.
• Strong project management / leadership experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.
• 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

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• 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 and high-quality research, customer service and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks, and work to tight deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as training.
• Self-starter and pro-active, 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.

This role will be based in RAND Europe’s Brussels or Netherlands office, in a hybrid working model with the option to work from home (minimum one day in the office per week, 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.BenefitsPlease see our careers page for relevant benefits associated to each location

Expected salary

Location

Brussel

Job date

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 23:11:55 GMT

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