Senior Research Analyst - Emerging Biotechnology

About this role

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 Hague. 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.
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:

• 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 biosecurity, technology oversight, trust and ethics public engagement, and work and skills. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/digital.html

• 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 metascience research (including topics like scientometrics, AI in science, researcher mobility, researcher wellbeing and open science). See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/science-of-science.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 are looking for a Senior Analyst to join the SET Research Group and support business development and project delivery for our portfolio of emerging technology policy with a particular focus on biotechnology and biosecurity. The role is based in the 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.
The ideal candidate will combine strong policy research and project leadership skills with a background in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or a related life sciences discipline.
We are looking for an individual with experience of winning and delivering projects for UK government, EU institutions, and/or philanthropic clients on policy issues relevant to biosecurity, the intersection of biotechnology with AI and other platform technologies, and biosurveillance.
We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of biosecurity, biological surveillance, emerging biotechnologies, and the associated policy, governance and future risk implications. The role holder will have experience using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore these issues. They will be experienced at project coordination and management, supporting the delivery of projects in collaboration with a team of researchers, and will have strong policy analysis skills.
The role holder will also be accountable for working with senior colleagues to support and motivate the SET research group on a day-to-day basis, leading the development and growth of our biosecurity and surveillance 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 be committed to achieving impact through your work with other team members, in a collegiate environment.
Key Responsibilities
Research development

• Advance RAND Europe’s successful research track record in biosecurity, biological surveillance and biotechnology policy, supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work.

• Contribute to the team’s thought leadership on biosecurity, surveillance and biotechnology policy issues.

• Mentor junior research staff and support the development of colleagues’ project management, policy analysis and methodological skills.

• Help ensure that RAND Europe’s research has a positive impact across biosecurity, public health, science policy and wider policy communities.
Business development

• Coordinate, manage and support a portfolio of business development initiatives including bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals, in particular relating to our biotechnology strategy and portfolio.

• Build networks and relationships with funders and collaborators across the biosecurity, surveillance, biotechnology and wider life sciences policy sectors.
Group and other responsibilities

• Work with team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET’s research and strategy in biosecurity, surveillance and biotechnology policy.

• Work in a collegiate manner and contribute to the development and profile of the wider organisation.

• Help to raise RAND Europe’s profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.
Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in biosecurity, biological surveillance, biotechnology policy or related research,…