Description

Reports to: Director of Military Sciences

Department: Military Sciences

Salary range: £34,000 - 38,000

Location: London

Contract: 18-month fixed-term, with intention of renewal

Hours: Full time

About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), based in London, Brussels and Nairobi, is the UK’s leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.

About the Department

The Military Sciences Research Group carries out cutting-edge research to provide intellectual challenge and thought leadership on military and defence matters. We take a long-term perspective, grounded in a rigorous historical evidence base and an examination of the conduct of adversaries and contemporary conflict, in order to shape defence policies.

We draw on considerable in-house expertise in the air, land, maritime, cyber and Space domains, and on an unrivalled network of connections and affiliations in conflict zones, to provide real-time contemporary lessons. This enables us to combine our research with practical experience and contextual awareness.

Technological developments, procurement, logistics support and industrial relationships are key concerns, along with the collaboration and wider international relationships associated with capability development. Aspects of our research focus on the implementation of defence industrial strategies, including their social value aspects; trends in European, transatlantic and other modes of defence collaboration; and a strategic approach to the exploitation of artificial intelligence in defence.

As part of this work, our staff engage with military, defence industrial and governmental stakeholders from operational level to the senior leadership level, in the UK and overseas.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Military Sciences research team as an early career researcher. The post holder will specialise in military technology, especially those related to ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and space. Initially, this will support existing research projects and the wider team, but over time there will be an opportunity to develop new projects and demonstrate that the post can be supported on a permanent basis.

Key tasks  

• Support the delivery of funded research projects through both supervised and self-driven desk research.
• Attend meetings and events and join research visits to rapidly build a deep understanding of the current state of military technology, especially for intelligence, surveillance and communications, and to explain the policy implications for the UK and other NATO governments.
• Provide analytical and administrative support to the Military Sciences Research Group on a day-to-day basis as needed, to help address capacity gaps, particularly working with the C4ISR Research Fellow on the RUSI Military Technology Conference.
• Work on developing sole-authored and co-authored written pieces for RUSI Commentary, RUSI Defence Systems and/or the RUSI Journal, with the aim of developing an independent profile as a military technology analyst.
• Travel overseas periodically for research visits and to participate in conferences and symposiums, both independently and with other members of the Military Sciences team.
• Develop and manage relationships with the UK and other armed services, and with Defence Industry, to form a baseline for potential business development work to enable more independently generated work over time as part of career progression objectives.
• Draft and deliver conference reports, research papers, and contribute towards larger publications and as part of developing a forward-looking research agenda that reaches multiple audiences.

The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.

Person specification  

Essential skills and experience

• A passion for military issues and research or practical experience related to technology that is relevant to military functions, such as satellites, uncrewed vehicles, aircraft, radar, radios, and/or digital technologies.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to present complex information and demonstrating strong literacy skills.
• Good organisational and planning skills, including an understanding of project management.
• Strong analytical skills, with an ability to clearly present facts and associated policy implications both orally and in writing.
• A BA, or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.

Desirable skills and experience

• The ability to communicate with the military community across rank, cultural backgrounds and broad variations in seniority.
• Experience in organising events, including seminars, talks and workshops.
• Experience of working with militaries on defence matters in one of the following fields: military service, government, advocacy, think tanks, the private sector or academia.
• Familiarity with the technical elements of communications and/or computing systems.
• A record of published material or publicly accessible publications.
• Experience of budget management and reporting and a demonstrable track record of previous business development experience.
• A postgraduate qualification or degree in a relevant subject.
• Experience of working in the not-for-profit sector organisation.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
• Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• *Enhanced sick pay
• *Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

*Depending on length of service

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to submit your CV and cover letter.

Supporting materials, such as publications or examples of relevant work, are welcomed but are not required as part of your application.

Please submit your CV and any supporting documents as one. 

Your cover letter should be no longer than 1 page, explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience.

The closing date for applications is Monday 24^th August 2026.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written assessment as part of the recruitment process.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity and Values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce. 

We’re aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.

If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org