Overview
We are looking for a Research Leader to help lead work in our R&I workstream. Areas of focus include research assessment, research culture, funding policy, and evaluation of R&I investments. We provide the technical support function for the UK Metascience Unit and deliver a wide range of evaluations of R&I investments for UKRI and the European Commission. Our projects cover topics such as peer review, research misconduct, the use of AI in R&I, and international collaboration in science. The role requires a track record of leading work of this type in the UK and/or at the EU level, the ability to write proposals and win work, and to provide thought leadership in this space. The role holder will work with senior colleagues to support and motivate the SET research group on a day-to-day basis, lead or manage groups of researchers, and publicise our work through communications and outreach activities. You should be flexible in delivering projects, writing proposals, and multitasking, and be committed to achieving impact through collaboration in a collegiate environment.
Responsibilities
* Taking forward RAND Europe's track record in research and innovation policy by developing and managing a portfolio of large, complex evaluations and expanding into new areas of work.
* Providing thought leadership on research/evaluation approaches and R&I systems and strategy.
* Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of project management and methodological skills.
* Taking a leading role in ensuring that RAND Europe's research has a positive impact within policy communities.
* Contributing to the SET team by supporting delivery of research group target revenues and sales, securing funding for research and consultancy tasks, and supporting others in doing so.
* Co-ordinating, managing and supporting a portfolio of business development initiatives, including leading and supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals.
* Consolidating and initiating networks and contacts with funders and collaborators.
* Working with other team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET's research and strategy.
* As a senior member of the team, setting a collegiate tone and contributing to the development and profile of the wider organisation.
* Leading on innovative ways to raise RAND Europe's profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.
* Proven track record developing and managing significant projects in areas related to R&I, such as metascience, evaluations of R&I programmes, R&I policy and analysis, scientometrics, and economic analysis of R&I.
* Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills and the proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and varied audiences.
* Strong project management experience, including budgeting and financial management.
* Strong teamwork, mentoring, and staff development capabilities for career progression.
* Strong conceptual and structured thinking skills, with the ability to distil complex information and communicate findings clearly and succinctly for target audiences.
* Open-minded, self-starter with high energy, comfortable with ambiguity and able to spot commercial opportunities.
Personal qualities
* Commercially astute with the ability to think strategically and practically from multiple perspectives.
* Strong networking and presentation skills to build relationships at senior levels and develop an order book of business with funders and collaborators.
* Inclusive, motivated leader and coach who can inspire a team and support career progression.
* Hands-on, collaborative team player with a commitment to rigorous research, customer service, and the ability to manage multiple tasks to tight deadlines.
* Open to new opportunities, self-starter with high energy, and comfortable with ambiguity as well as process.
* Open-minded with humility to recognise success in others and accept challenge from junior team members.
Organization context
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 aims to change policy, practice and process for the public good and aligns with 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. We collaborate with academic organisations, consultancies and think tanks across Europe, with the RAND Corporation in the U.S., and pursue international research partnerships. The Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team comprises about 30 researchers spanning topics including research on research and emerging technology policy.
We are a team 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 to work with one of the world's most respected public policy research organisations. It is ideally suited to a flexible and ambitious individual who is used to leading evaluations and who wishes to make a real impact on policy, working alongside a very talented team in a collegiate environment.
Location and arrangements
This role will ideally be based in RAND Europe's Cambridge office, but we are open to considering applications in our Rotterdam or Brussels office. We typically ask staff to attend the office a minimum of one day per week.
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
* Starting salary from £50,000 per annum, depending on experience
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