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 – Science and Emerging Technology (SET) Team
About RAND Europe
RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation focused on improving policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research and analysis. We deliver over 200 projects annually, shaping public policy for the greater good. With ~200 staff across its offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and The Hague, RAND Europe reflects global diversity—20 languages, 31 academic disciplines, and a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to tackling complex challenges.
Our Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team comprises 30 researchers across diverse natural and social sciences, collaborating locally, nationally, and internationally (including with RAND Corporation) to drive impactful research in emerging technologies and evaluation methodologies.
About The Role
This exceptional opportunity gives you a chance to lead high-impact research at a world-renowned policy research organisation. Seeking an ambitious, flexible individual adept at delivering evaluations and shaping policy across government, industry, charity, and international arenas.
We’re seeking a Research Leader to advance RAND Europe’s research and innovation (R&I) workforce, overseeing cutting-edge projects and delivering critical evaluations for clients like the UK Metascience Unit and UKRI/EC, across topics such as:
- Research assessment & culture
- Funding policy
- Evaluation of R&I investments
- Peer review, research misconduct & AI in R&I
- International science collaboration
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.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead a R&I-focused portfolio of large-scale, complex evaluations, expand into new areas, and define technical strategy.
- Mentor research staff in project management and methodologies, ensuring high-quality outputs with enduring policy impact.
- Strengthen business development by securing funding for projects and consulting tasks (proposal-writing, partnership-building).
- Represent RAND Europe publicly—disseminating key insights, networks, and thought leadership to maximise reach and policy influence.
Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership
- Expand R&I engagements into innovative domains, maintaining Methscience Unit support.
- Drive impactful evaluations of R&I systems nationwide and across the UK/EU.
- Lead on complex research challenges (e.g., AI’s role, misconduct, collaboration).
- Cultivate a high-performing research culture, fostering expertise in systemic evaluation methodologies.
Business Development
- Boost SET group revenue by securing new research and consultancy opportunities.
- Coordinate and manage box proposals (bid development, multi-partner partnerships).
- Build and deepen client connections, nurturing commercial partnerships and strategic alliances.
Team & Collective Leadership
- Align the SET team’s strategy with department research objectives.
- Establish a collaborative team ethos—developing talent and setting high standards.
- Evoke measurement, communication, and intellectual engagement across policies and audiences.
Requirements
Core Expertise
- Proven track record in R&I-system evaluations, metascience, or government/academic research policy.
- Experience in peer-reviewed evaluation frameworks, economic analysis of R&I, and scientific protocols.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, mentor colleagues, and drive career progression.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Business & Communication
- Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills for varied stakeholders.
- Proven examples of commercial strategy, proposal winning, and problem-solving in policy arenas.
- Ability to simplify complex data for high-level and technical audiences (e.g., policy briefs, client reports).
Personal Qualities
- Strategic vision with operational pragmatism—balancing big-picture thinking with granular attention.
- Executes under ambiguous, multitasking environments; high energy, commercially intuitive.
- Humble, motivated leader: celebrates team strengths, maintains collegiate collaboration.
Competitive Package
- Starting salary: £53,000 per annum (dynamic for aligned experience + skills).
- Employee benefits:
- Pension (8% employer contribution);
- 33 days’ leave (including bank holidays);
- BUPA medical insurance, salary reviews, generous sick pay;
- Charlesworth Grant-approved family-friendly policies;
- Mentorship and learning opportunities, wellbeing support;
- Free daily fruit, on-site parking, cycling scheme;
- Service awards, compassionate leave.
How To Apply
Submit a CV + covering letter by 26th July 2026. Shortlist feedback will be issued within 30 days—no later updates if unsuccessful.
“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