Research Assistant: Science and Emerging Technology

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.

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 wish to recruit an exceptional candidate at the Research Assistant level based at our Cambridge office. 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.

Please note this is a 2-year fixed term position. 

Key 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

• 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

Benefits

• Salary - £27,500 increasing by £500 every 6 months in line with passing probation
• 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.