Research Leader/Senior Analyst - Biotechnology/Biosecurity - Emerging Technology

<p>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. We work with and for public, private and third sector funders and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations. </p><p>The <strong>Science and Emerging Technology (SET) research group</strong> at RAND Europe conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of policy research broadly covering three main areas: </p><ul> <li> <strong>Emerging technology policy: </strong>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 governance; trust and ethics; public engagement; and work and skills. See <a href="https://www.rand.org/randeurope/initiatives/frontiers-of-technology.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">https://www.rand.org/randeurope/initiatives/frontiers-of-technology.html</a> </li> <li> <strong>Research and innovation policy: </strong>Analysis of research and innovation systems including how they work and how they can be improved. This includes evaluations of portfolios of R&amp;I, research strategy development, landscape reviews, and research culture.</li> <li> <strong>Energy and environment policy: </strong>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.</li> </ul><p></p><p><strong>We are looking for a Research Leader/Senior Research Analyst to join the SET Research Group and lead / support business development and project delivery for our portfolio of emerging technology policy with a particular focus on biotechnology/biosecurity</strong>. </p><p>We are particularly looking for an individual with experience of winning and delivering projects for UK government / EU institution / philanthropic clients on technology policy issues relevant to biotechnology or its intersection with AI and other platform technologies.</p><p>We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of technology development, the challenges and opportunities, associated policy issues, and future implications. The role holder will have experience of using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore these issues. You will be experienced at project coordination and leadership / management, supporting the delivery of projects working with a team of researchers, and have strong policy analysis skills. </p><p>The role holder will also be accountable for working with senior colleagues in supporting and motivating the SET research group on a day-to-day basis, leading the development and growth of our technology 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 committed to achieving impact through your work with other team members, in a collegiate environment. You will work closely with <a href="https://www.rand.org/about/people/z/zakaria_sana.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">the SET Research Leader</a> working on emerging biotechnology and co-leading the RAND Frontiers of Technology Hub.  </p><h3><strong>Key Responsibilities </strong></h3><p><strong>Research Leadership </strong></p><ul> <li>Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in technology policy research and supporting / leading the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work. </li> <li>Contributing to the team’s thought leadership on technology policy issues. </li> <li>Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of others’ project management and methodological skills. </li> <li>Helping ensure that RAND Europe’s research has a positive impact within policy communities and the wider world. </li> </ul><p><strong>Business development </strong></p><ul> <li>Co-ordinating, managing and supporting a portfolio of business development initiatives including supporting bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals – in particular relating to our emerging technology strategy and portfolio. </li> <li>Building networks and contacts with funders and collaborators in the biosecurity and wider biotechnology policy sector</l