Job Specifications
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% Employ
About the Company
RAND Europe is a not-for-profit research institute whose mission is to help improve policy and decision making through research and analysis. Being the European arm of the RAND Corporation, we share its mission and values.
For more than twenty years RAND Europe's work has steadily expanded to cover a kaleidoscope of policy-relevant topics from defence and security, innovation and technology policy, and criminal justice through to health and social issues. Cutting across topical areas are the methods-focused groups, includin...
Know more