Research Analyst - Research and Innovation Ecosystems

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.

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 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
• 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 Analysts to join our Research & Innovation Policy workstream based in 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.

In this role you will:

• Collect and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative data to support our Research and Innovation Ecosystems portfolio. Typical methods we use include desk research, literature review, interviews, workshops, surveys, economic modelling, econometrics, quantitative data analysis (including computational and statistical methods)
• Help to project manage research tasks, ensuring they are delivered within time, and to budget, communicating with clients and collaborators, and working within small project teams
• Contribute to writing project reports and other research outputs, such as conference/workshop presentations, articles in peer-reviewed journals (or equivalent) and blog posts
• Support business development efforts by contributing to proposal- and grant-writing and other business-winning activities.

Requirements

• Qualified to post graduate degree level or equivalent, with work experience beyond university in the field of policy, consultancy or research.
• Strong conceptual and structured thinking skills, coupled with excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples).
• A demonstrable interest in the policy areas related to research and innovation ecosystems, including research funding mechanisms, research collaborations, programme evaluation, metascience and research culture.
• Proven track record delivering research and/or evaluation projects
• Evidence of working as part of a team to deliver policy research studies.
• Expertise of explaining research findings to non-technical audiences including colleagues and clients.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied audiences (technical and non-technical).
• 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.
• Experience of writing, editing and disseminating policy research reports.
• Strong project management skills, including experience of delivering projects on time and to budget.

Personal Qualities

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• Hands-on, team player with a strong commitment to rigorous research, customer service and the ability to project manage multiple tasks and work to tight deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills and knowledge, and in contributing to people development initiatives, such as training
• Self-starter with high energy levels, who is comfortable working with ambiguity as well as process, and quick to spot a commercial opportunity.
• Open minded, with the humility to recognise success in others and accept challenge from clients, colleagues and partners.

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.

Salary

Starting from £33,000 per anum.

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.

Application

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The closing date for applications is Monday 31 August 2026.

Interviews will be taking place during week commencing 14 September 2026.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.