Senior Research Analyst - Emerging Biotechnology

We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of biosecurity, biological surveillance, emerging biotechnologies, and the associated policy, governance and future risk implications. The role holder will have experience using mixed-methods research and engagement to explore these issues. They will be experienced at project coordination and management, supporting the delivery of projects in collaboration with a team of researchers, and will have strong policy analysis skills.

The role holder will also be accountable for working with senior colleagues to support and motivate the SET research group on a day-to-day basis, leading the development and growth of our biosecurity and surveillance 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 be committed to achieving impact through your work with other team members, in a collegiate environment.

Key Responsibilities

Research development

• Advance RAND Europe’s successful research track record in biosecurity, biological surveillance and biotechnology policy, supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work.
• Contribute to the team’s thought leadership on biosecurity, surveillance and biotechnology policy issues.
• Mentor junior research staff and support the development of colleagues’ project management, policy analysis and methodological skills.
• Help ensure that RAND Europe’s research has a positive impact across biosecurity, public health, science policy and wider policy communities.

Business development

• Coordinate, manage and support a portfolio of business development initiatives including bid and proposal activity, often as multi-partner proposals, in particular relating to our biotechnology strategy and portfolio.
• Build networks and relationships with funders and collaborators across the biosecurity, surveillance, biotechnology and wider life sciences policy sectors.

Group and other responsibilities

• Work with team members and the Research Group Director to develop SET’s research and strategy in biosecurity, surveillance and biotechnology policy.
• Work in a collegiate manner and contribute to the development and profile of the wider organisation.
• Help to raise RAND Europe’s profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience in biosecurity, biological surveillance, biotechnology policy or related research, supported by a background in biology, microbiology, molecular biology or a closely related discipline. Proven expertise in managing and delivering work on relevant topics, with the ability to understand, assess and synthesise scientific publications and technical evidence.
• Experience of delivering research projects for UK government, EU institutions and/or philanthropic clients on a range of biosecurity, surveillance, science policy or biotechnology policy issues.
• Experience of working in the life sciences, biotechnology, surveillance or wider science and technology sector. We are interested in a range of perspectives – your experience could be through technology development, academic research, civil society and advocacy, the public sector, or operational work relating to surveillance, preparedness or response. We are also interested in engaging with candidates who have practical experience in the application and implementation of computational biology, bioinformatics, genomics and laboratory science.
• Evidence of working as part of a team, motivating others, mentoring and actively developing colleagues in their skills and career progression.
• Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples) and proven ability to communicate effectively with clients and to varied internal and external audiences. You should have demonstrable experience of writing, editing and disseminating policy research reports.
• Strong project management and leadership experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.
• Proven ability to distil complex information and engage with detail considering bigger picture issues and communicate research and analysis findings clearly, succinctly and in consideration of target audiences.
• Desirable: experience working on issues such as pathogen surveillance, biosafety, biosecurity governance, pandemic preparedness or emerging biological risks.

Personal qualities

• Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
• Networking and business development skills to build relationships, facilitate joint decision making and cultivate relationships with potential funders and collaborators.
• Hands-on, team player with a strong commitment to rigorous and high-quality research, customer service and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks while working to tight deadlines.
• Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as training.
• Self-starter and proactive, and comfortable working with ambiguity as well as process.
• Open-minded, with the humility to recognise success in others and accept challenge from highly capable junior members of the team.

We welcome applications from a range of experience levels, from those slightly below to those exceeding our criteria.

Salary

• Starting salary of £41,000 per annum for those that meet the minimum requirements, with flexibility for those with more experience
• 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 now Sunday 4th October 2026.

Interviews will be taking place between 12th - 22nd October 2026.

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