Research Leader - Emerging Technology and Foresight (Defence and Security)
RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge, Brussels and Rotterdam and employs approximately 170 staff.
We wish to recruit an experienced Research Leader in our Defence and Security research group based in Cambridge to focus on and lead our growing portfolio of work on emerging technologies in a Defence context, especially relating to AI and the use of foresight methods.
The Defence and Security research group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond. Our clients include UK government departments (e.g. Ministry of Defence, Home Office, Office for Veterans Affairs), EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament), national and international defence and security organisations (e.g. national defence departments, NATO), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.
Our work covers a broad range of public policy issue issues across:
- Defence (defence strategy policy, capability, and acquisition, the defence industrial base and innovation, defence economics, science and technology analysis, space, gaming and foresight)
- Security (terrorism; counter-violent extremism; human security; border security; energy security; resilience and cyber)
The successful applicant will lead / support business development and project delivery for our portfolio of emerging technology, AI and foresight work. We are particularly looking for an individual with experience of winning and delivering projects for UK, EU or international defence organisations (e.g. NATO) on emerging technology, AI, and/or foresight.
We are looking for an individual with a keen interest and understanding of emerging technologies, especially AI, the defence ecosystem for emerging technologies, and the challenges, opportunities, and implications of their use in a defence context.The role holder will have experience of using foresight research methods to explore these issues (e.g. horizon scanning, systems analysis, scenario analysis). You will be experienced at research project management, leading the delivery of projects working with a team of researchers, and have strong policy analysis skills.
Key Responsibilities
Research Leadership- Taking forward RAND Europe’s successful research track record in emerging technology and foresight research, and leading / supporting the delivery of a varied portfolio of research projects and expanding into new areas of work.
- Contributing to the team’s thought leadership on emerging technology policy issues.
- Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of others’ project management and methodological skills.
- Helping ensure that RAND Europe’s research has a positive impact within policy communities and the wider world.
- Contributing to and supporting the delivery of Defence and Security group revenue and sales targets by helping secure funding for research and consultancy tasks and supporting others in doing so.
- 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.
- Building networks and contacts with funders and collaborators.
- Working with team members and the Defence and Security Senior Leadership Team and Research Group Director to deliver the group’s strategic objectives.
- Working in a collegiate manner and contributing to the development and profile of the wider organisation.
- Helping to raise RAND Europe’s profile and communicate research findings to maximise impact.
- Demonstrable experience in emerging technology, AI and foresight policy research. Proven expertise in leading / managing and delivering work on relevant topics related to technology policy.
- Demonstrable experience in using futures and foresight methods in emerging technology research, as well as proven ability to articulate the value of futures and foresight research in this field.
- Experience of winning and delivering research projects for UK, EU or international defence organisations and funders.
- Evidence of working as part of a team, motivating others, mentoring and actively developing colleagues for skills and career progression.
- Excellent analytical, writing and presentation skills (evidenced by examples) and the 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 leadership / management experience, including experience of budget preparation and people management.
- 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.
- Commercially astute, analytical thinker with the ability to see issues strategically and at a practical level from a variety of perspectives.
- Networking and sales presentation 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, and work to tight deadlines.
- Enthusiastic about learning new skills, expanding your knowledge, and contributing to people development initiatives, such as training.
- Self-starter and pro-active, 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.
This role will be based in RAND Europe’s Cambridge office, working alongside RAND Europe colleagues, in a hybrid working model with the option to work from home (minimum one day in the office per week, with some flexibility). There will also be some requirement to travel and spend brief periods away visiting clients on site – typically in London and Brussels though occasionally further afield.
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.
How to Apply
If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. Closing date for applications is Sunday 13th October 2024
If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.