Research Leader

Position Summary: As the European arm of the global RAND Corporation, RAND Europe is a not-for-profit organisation that conducts independent research and analysis. Our mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. Our work lies on the continuum between that of universities and consultancies, combining the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task orientated approach of consultancies.

The Defence and Security research group at RAND Europe conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond. Our work covers:

- **Defence** (strategy, policy and capability; the Armed Forces Community and the Defence workforce; acquisition; technology; space; Defence economics; futures and foresight; gaming and operational analysis)
- **Security** (terrorism; counter-violent extremism; human security; border security; energy security; resilience and cyber)
Researchers in the Defence and Security research group originate from a diverse range of nationalities, disciplines and professional backgrounds including international, government and non-governmental organisations, military, consultancy and academia.

**About this opportunity**:
We are looking to appoint a Research Leader to support the Research Group Director in the delivery of work on Defence and Security, specifically the portfolio of work across our Defence Workforce and Skills workstream. This workstream focuses on issues relating directly to the Armed Forces Community, including ex-Serving personnel, their families and the wider Defence workforce. We support the work of organisations including the Office of Veteran’s Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, the Front Line Commands, the Armed Force Covenant Fund Trust, Forces In Mind Trust, COBSEO and allied defence departments.

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Eligibility: *
Key Responsibilities: The Research Leader will support the Research Group Director in delivering group and organisation-wide objectives. Key responsibilities include:
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Research Leadership*
- Taking forward RAND Europe’s current and planned activities in research on the Armed Forces Community - particularly ex-Service personnel and their families.
- Leading a talented team of researchers, co-ordinating and communicating with various stakeholders and partners across academia and elsewhere.
- Management of day-to-day operations of RAND’s activities focusing on the Armed Forces Community - particularly ex-Service personnel and their families - and supporting the wider team involved in this work.
- Providing thought leadership within the area of Defence and Security, specifically on research pertaining to ex-Service personnel and their families.
- Mentoring research staff and facilitating development of others' skills.
- Taking a leading role in ensuring that RAND Europe’s research has positive impact.
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Business development*
- Supporting RAND Europe’s activities in research pertaining to the Armed Forces Community through efforts to improve research impact and engage with key stakeholders across government, business, industry and others.
- Contributing to the delivery of research group target revenues and supporting agreed metrics for the delivery of agreed research outputs. This will be achieved working as a team to secure funding for research and consultancy tasks and supporting others in doing so.
- Consolidating and initiating networks and contacts with client organisations and collaborators such as the UK MOD and other government departments as well as the service charities sector, and others.
- Working internationally to establish a network of research collaborators and best practice in Armed Forces Community research.
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Group and other responsibilities*
- Working with other team members and the Research Group Director to develop the Defence and Security group’s research and strategy.
- As a senior member of the team, setting the collegiate tone and contributing to the development and profile of the wider organisation.
- Leading on innovative ways to raise RAND’s profile and maximise research impact.
- Proven **track record** in supporting or developing policy and managing significant projects related to the Armed Forces Community and the wider Defence workforce.
- **Leadership and management experience** working within the service charities sector, to deliver research projects, events and/or outreach activities.
- Extensive **experience building and leading multi-disciplinary teams**, particularly around the Armed Forces Community and the wider Defence workforce.
- Demonstrable **success in business development** including bid and proposal (preferably securing governmental and/or research funding).
- **Sector knowledge** including UK MOD and other Government Departments as well as the service charities sector. Evidence of sustaining effective working relationships with stakeholders in the public and/o