Research Assistant - Space policy - Science and Emerging Technology Team

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 offices in Cambridge, Brussels and Rotterdam and employs approximately 170 staff.

The Science and Emerging Technology group at RAND Europe conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of policy research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Our work covers:

• Research and innovation policy: Analysis of research and innovation systems including how they work and how they can be improved. This includes evaluations of portfolios of R&I, research strategy development, landscape reviews and assessment of research impact. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/science-of-science.html
• Civil space policy: Strategy, research and evaluation across the space sector, including Earth Observation, space business R&D, national space investment strategy and mission reviews. Our unique strength is that our space portfolio sits across the Defence and Security (D&S) and Science and Emerging Technology (SET) teams, forming the RAND Europe Space Hub (RESH).  See: https://www.rand.org/topics/space-science-and-technology.html?realized_region_ss=Europe&realized_region_ss=United+Kingdom&rows=12
• Emerging technology policy: Analysis of the trends, applications and impacts of new and emerging technologies from AI and blockchain to quantum computing and virtual reality. This includes examining the societal and policy implications of technologies across sectors and a broad set of areas such as data governance; privacy, trust and ethics; public engagement; work and skills; and wider technology oversight.  See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/digital.html
• Energy and environment policy: Analysis of food systems and strategy, futures analysis of sustainability and environmental issues, environment and health, energy and energy innovation. See: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/research/science-technology-innovation/environmental-sustainability-and-climate-change.html

We work with and for public, private and third sector funders and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.

We are looking for a talented individual to join our high-performing civil space research group who can support our research and analysis activities with a flexible and collaborative approach and interest in space technology evaluation and policy, as well as in wider science and technology policy.

We combine our experience and expertise in space security, policy, regulation and law with our work on the impact of new science and technology and the evaluation of major space programmes. Our unique strength is that our space portfolio sits across the Defence and Security (D&S) and Science and Emerging Technology (SET) teams, forming the RAND Europe Space Hub (RESH). This gives us coverage across both defence and civil space domains, and their intersections.

This is an opportunity for a motivated individual who is qualified to post graduate degree level with demonstrable experience in qualitative and/or quantitative analysis to join a world-class policy research organisation with a collaborative and supportive working culture.

The role of the Research Assistant will be to:

• Support project teams in research by:

• conducting literature reviews in space related topics e.g. space traffic management, space business ecosystems, international cooperation on space R&D
• conducting, supporting and transcribing interviews (e.g. with space businesses)
• undertaking analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
• preparing presentations and research briefs
• coordinating meetings and events, including taking minutes
• Provide support for our RAND Europe Space Hub in terms of activity coordination across our teams
• Analyse calls for tender to identify proposal requirements, with supervision
• Support the collation of administrative documents for proposals
• Draft sections of reports under supervision
• Proofread and check documents
• Make corporate contributions through supporting RAND processes such as quality assurance and research ethics
• Communicate with clients with supervision

Requirements

• A post graduate degree or equivalent experience in a relevant topic e.g. public policy, space policy, regulation, law, research, strategy, space science / engineering (please note this is not an engineering or technical role)
• A demonstrable interest in the above topics, also including space science, space sustainability, innovation ecosystems for space companies, space economics, security implications of space and international cooperation.
• Ideally, you will have some years’ work experience after university, though this is not strictly required
• Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methodologies and their application
• Basic report writing skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Intermediate Excel, Powerpoint and Word

RAND Europe has an extensive skills and development programme that will build your capabilities and equip you for the range of challenging and exciting tasks that we will ask you to work on. You will also have dedicated support for your personal development.

This role is being offered as a 2 year fixed term contract, please ensure you have current and ongoing right to work in the UK as we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

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.

Salary

£27,500 per annum, increasing by £500 every 6 months in line with passing probation

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 1st December 2024

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