RAND Europe
Research Leader - R&I policy/Metascience - Science and Emerging Technology
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Research Leader in Science & Emerging Technology (R&I Policy) RAND Europe
About the Role
RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation focused on improving policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research. Our Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team—comprising 30 researchers—prioritises work on research assessment, research culture, funding policy, and the evaluation of research & innovation (R&I) investments.
This role is ideal for an ambitious, operations-driven leader with a track record in policy-relevant research who can drive impact, mentor teams, and expand RAND Europe’s work in strategic areas like metascience and multistakeholder evaluations. Given our contributions to initiatives such as the UK Metascience Unit and evaluations for UKRI and the European Commission, this position demands disciplinary flexibility, strong leadership, and a strategic business approach.
A perfect fit for a motivated, resilient can-do thinker who thrives in a high-impact, collaborative environment.
Key Foci of the Role
- Leading UK and EU-level evaluations on R&I policy, including peer review, research misconduct, AI’s role in science, and international R&I collaboration.
- Expanding into emerging policy frontiers while building revenue-responsible bids.
- Supporting senior colleagues in mentoring and leading a diverse set of high-performing researchers.
- Championing research impact through cutting-edge publications, thought leadership, and effective communications.
- Representing and enhancing RAND Europe’s profile in R&I systems globally.
Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership
- Build and manage an expanding portfolio of high-impact research and evaluations, particularly around metascience, R&I systems, and policy-led assessments.
- Lead strategic thought development in R&I evaluation approaches, championing innovation and evidence-based solutions.
- Mentor junior team members, fostering professional development in project management and scientific rigor.
- Drive knowledge exchange to ensure research informs policy communities across ministries, industry, and international organisations.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Business Development
- Collaborate within the SET team to secure funding for projects, write compelling bids, and expand existing workstreams.
- Lead multi-partner proposal strategies, networking with partners and funders to sustain a high-impact research pipeline.
- Strengthen external-facing reputation, engaging actively in stakeholder and funder relationship-building.
Group & Institution-Level Support
- Contribute to the SET team’s strategic direction and overall profile enhancement, ensuring alignment with RAND Europe’s mission and opportunities.
- Champion initiatives to boost research visibility through thought leadership and innovative approaches to dissemination.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Experience & Expertise
- Proven track record of leading high-impact evaluations or fact-finding research on R&I systems, with cross-sector perspectives.
- Areas of expertise should include:
- Metascience (research replication, reproducibility, systems-level analysis)
- Evaluation and impact assessment of R&I funding
- Comparative analysis of R&I policies and practices
- Ability to make strategic, policy-relevant recommendations with full insight into funding structures (both UK and/or EU contexts).
Leadership & Management
- Demonstrated ability to leverage expertise across teams, enhance individual confidence, and facilitate collaboration.
- Proven success in constructive mentoring, career support, and developing ambitious junior teams.
- Flair for engaging convincing audiences, whether for funding bids or stakeholder discussions.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Analytical & Communication Skills
- Capacity to distil complexity into concise yet insightful briefings.
- Proven ability to distil opportunities, navigate ambiguity, and spot gaps in R&I funding landscapes.
Commercial Awareness & Passions
- Commercially minded with a talent for tracking revenues and identifying market needs.
- Comprehensive networking and relationship management skills.
Personal Characteristics
- Humility and open-mindedness, embracing new ideas while confident in decisiveness.
- Flat friendliness in leadership; adept at delivering constructive feedback and inspiring teams on career pathways.
- Energy and self-starter with behaviours and experience aligned to project deadlines and accountabilities.
About RAND Europe
- Staughton (Cambridge), Tervuren (Brussels), Lentzelaan (The Hague) – 200 staff, 22 nationalities, diverse research expertise.
- Pushing science-action. For over 35 years, we leverage RAND’s acclaimed thinking to forge actionable impact in Europe.
Prospectus
Salary Range
- Starting at £53,000/yr (adjustable for higher expertise).
- Pension contribution = 8% employer.
- 33 days holiday + bank holidays.
- Salary annual reviews.
- BUPA medical insurance, generous sick pay, compassionate leave.
Perks
- AI-driven decision-making collaboration tools, fresh fruit daily, world-class workplace facilities.
- Paid absences, comprehensive childcare policies, flexible working support, cycle/bike schemes.
- Unlimited CPD & mentorship opportunities
How to Apply Submit CV + cover letter explaining your fit for this role by [26 July 2026]. No verlängerttres; silence beyond 30 days is final.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills