Research Assistant - Science and Emerging Technology
Hybrid
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Freelance
12-03-2025
Job Specifications
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 approximately 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands.
The Science and Emerging Technology Team (SET) 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 ecosystems: 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, research culture, and assessment of research impact. See: RAND Europe Research on Research | RAND
Emerging technology policy: Analysis of the trends, applications and impacts of new and emerging technologies. 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: Frontiers of Technology | RAND
Environment and sustainability policy: Analysis of food systems and strategy, futures analysis of sustainability and environmental issues, environment and health, climate-related topics, energy and energy innovation. See: RAND Europe Research on Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change | RAND
Civil Space: Leading studies, evaluations and strategy development on cutting edge civil space policy topics, including access to space, major mission reviews and space R&D funding strategies. See: Civil Space | RAND
We work with and for public, private and third sector funders; and collaborate frequently with universities and other research organisations.
We wish to recruit an exceptional candidate at the Research Assistant level to support our work on Research and Innovation Ecosystems. The role will be based in our Cambridge office, although our work is conducted in a hybrid format (minimum 1 day per week in the office). Fluency in English is essential and proficiency in one or more other languages would be an asset.
Science and Emerging Technology (SET) team members have backgrounds in science, innovation and technology policy, and other natural and social science disciplines. We are looking for applicants with a postgraduate degree (minimum Masters level) or equivalent experience in policy or science.
The role of the Research Assistant will be to:
Support the team with administrative tasks required for the smooth running of the team and wider organisation, including identifying potential business opportunities, collation of administrative documents for proposals, overseeing access to tender portals, upkeeping internal databases for track record, etc.
Contribute to ongoing research by:
Supporting the conduct of literature reviews and desk research
Participating in, supporting and transcribing interviews
Contributing to analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
Preparing presentations and research briefs
Coordinating meetings and events, including taking minute
Draft sections of reports and proposals under supervision
Proofread and check documents
Make corporate contributions through supporting RAND processes such as quality assurance and research ethics
Provide corporate support with administrative tasks
Requirements
Passion to support evidence generation to inform policy making on research and innovation ecosystems, including research evaluation, impact assessment, research culture and environment, systems strategy and metascience
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Good time management skills
Ability to work on more than one project at a given time
Ability to engage with a new subject quickly
Intermediate Excel, Powerpoint and Word
Basic knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and their application
Good report writing skills
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.
Please note this is a 2-year fixed term position. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role, please ensure you have the ongoing right to work in the UK.
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
Application
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 6th April 2025.
If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.
About the Company
RAND Europe is a not-for-profit research institute whose mission is to help improve policy and decision making through research and analysis. Being the European arm of the RAND Corporation, we share its mission and values. For more than twenty years RAND Europe’s work has steadily expanded to cover a kaleidoscope of policy-relevant topics from defence and security, innovation and technology policy, and criminal justice through to health and social issues. Cutting across topical areas are the methods-focused groups, includin... Know more
Related Jobs
- Company Name
- Kuga
- Job Title
- SaaS Developer
- Job Description
- Intro Note: A formal degree is not required; candidates are evaluated primarily based on relevant software development experience and expertise. Company Description Kuga is an innovative B2B AI solution designed to streamline business operations by leveraging advanced conversational intelligence and API integrations. We specialize in providing intelligent automation services that empower businesses to communicate effectively and efficiently. Our technology handles routine interactions and complex API-driven tasks, freeing teams to focus on strategic growth and exceptional client experiences. With seamless integration capabilities, including robust support for APIs such as OpenAI's, Kuga delivers tailored solutions that significantly enhance operational efficiency. Role Description We are seeking a skilled SaaS Developer to join our dynamic team in a contract-based hybrid role located in the Manchester area, United Kingdom, with options for remote flexibility. The SaaS Developer will be integral to the design, development, optimization, and maintenance of our innovative software applications. This role is ideal for a proactive developer passionate about crafting scalable SaaS products and integrating cutting-edge APIs to enhance our AI-driven business solutions. Qualifications - Proven experience in Software Development, specifically SaaS application design and deployment. - Strong proficiency with API integration, including demonstrated experience with OpenAI's API. - Solid understanding of Cloud Computing platforms and infrastructure. - Familiarity with Agile methodologies, demonstrating adaptability and iterative improvement. - Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and technical troubleshooting skills. - Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaborative abilities. - Experience or familiarity with business-focused AI solutions is highly advantageous.
- Company Name
- Square One Resources
- Job Title
- Senior ServiceNow Developer - Financial Services Client
- Job Description
- Job Title: Senior ServiceNow Developer Location: Remote Salary/Rate: £350 per day inside IR35 Start Date: March 2025 Job Type: 6 month Contract My client within the finance sector is currently seeking a Senior ServiceNow Developer for a 6 month initial contract role. Job Responsibilities/Objective 1. Work collaboratively with other IT colleagues and support the ServiceNow Manager to deliver a stable and performant ServiceNow platform. 2. Identify ways to improve performance and effectiveness of the ServiceNow platform. 3. Work with the team to create an efficient yet open/creative environment for delivering change 4. To be responsible for the operational support of the client's ServiceNow Platform(s), primarily focusing on ITSM 5. Build effective relationships with supporting departments, our partners and our customers 6. Seek to help develop the broader team in line with their objectives and their technical career paths Required Skills/Experience 1. Strong demonstrable experience of ServiceNow ITSM inc. workflow, Incident/Change/Problem, scripting, portal design, CMDB. 2. Demonstrable experience of ServiceNow ITOM inc. Discovery and Event Management 3. Experience of other ServiceNow modules (HR, Legal, IRM, SecOps etc) 4. Understanding of development lifecycle and software life cycle in general. 5. Ability to work with others and to be able to effectively work alone. 7. ITIL Foundation Certification If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply now with your updated CV in Microsoft Word/PDF format. Disclaimer Notwithstanding any guidelines given to level of experience sought, we will consider candidates from outside this range if they can demonstrate the necessary competencies. Square One is acting as both an employment agency and an employment business, and is an equal opportunities recruitment business. Square One embraces diversity and will treat everyone equally. Please see our website for our full diversity statement.
- Company Name
- Broadgate
- Job Title
- Risk Framework Implementation Contractor (Wealth/Investments)
- Job Description
- We are partnering with a prominent Wealth Management platform to enhance their risk framework across both first and second lines of defense. We're currently in need of support in the form of a Risk Contractor for a 6-9 month period. Key Responsibilities: Risk Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) Implementation: Lead and facilitate the implementation of RCSAs across various business units, ensuring alignment with the organization's risk appetite and tolerance. Develop and maintain RCSA templates, methodologies, and supporting documentation. Conduct workshops and training sessions to educate stakeholders on the RCSA process and their responsibilities. Analyze RCSA results to identify key risks and control gaps, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies. Monitor the effectiveness of implemented controls and track remediation actions. Risk System Management: Configure and customize the risk system to meet evolving business needs and regulatory requirements. Provide technical support and training to users on the effective utilization of the risk system. Generate reports and dashboards from the risk system to provide management with timely and accurate risk information. Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize advanced Excel skills to analyze risk data, identify trends, and generate insightful reports. Develop and maintain risk metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor risk exposure. Prepare presentations and reports for senior management and risk committees, communicating key risk findings and recommendations. Framework Development and Maintenance: Participate in the ongoing development and enhancement of the organization's risk management framework. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory requirements related to risk management. Document risk management policies, procedures, and guidelines. Support internal and external audits related to risk management. Experience: Proven experience in implementing and managing RCSAs within a complex organization. Strong proficiency in using risk management systems (e.g., Access or similar). Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, formula creation, and reporting. Project orientated with excellent project management skills. Expert understanding of risk management principles, methodologies, and frameworks. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Company Name
- KBR, Inc.
- Job Title
- Power System Engineer
- Job Description
- We are looking to recruit a Power System Studies Engineer for a 12-month contract, based in Leatherhead, Surrey. On Offer Competitive hourly pay rate Outside IR35 work engagement Hybrid working - 3 days in the office, 2 days from home Skills / Experience We are looking for a Power systems studies engineer to support various onshore and offshore projects. These include local power generation, renewable power including BESS or grid connections at voltages up to 220kV. Studies will include equipment sizing, load flow, short circuit, dynamic motor starting, harmonic studies, arc flash, transient stability and protection co-ordination. Tasks will include running power system studies and overseeing third party vendors providing power system studies for projects including EMT software. Advanced experience using ETAP software NB. We can only consider candidates with an existing right to live and work in the UK. If the above opportunity describes you, then I would love to speak with you, call me - 01372 862020. Alternatively, send me your CV, to matt.smith@kbr.com and I will reach out to you.