Senior Research Fellow, European Security
Reports to:Director, International Security
Department:International SecurityResearch Group
Salary Range: £57,000 - £64,000 depending on skills and experience.
Location: London Office
Contract: Permanent,Full Time
About RUSI
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the world’s oldest, and 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 team
RUSI’s International SecurityResearch Group delivers policy-driven research and analysis on the leading developments in global geopolitics and international security, including the international impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the rise of China, the evolution of Euro-Atlantic relationships and conflict in the Middle East. Drawing on extensive regional expertise, experience, and language skills, the team comprises researchers drawnfrom government, diplomacy, academia, the military, and the private sector. They are supported by an international network of associates including former government ministers and senior civil servants, and distinguished academics.
The team’s expertise and advice are widely sought by governments, Parliament, civil society organisations and industry.Across all itsregional programmes, projects and lines of work, the teamproduces new research and public and private analysis papers, briefs policymakers and parliamentarians, brings people together in high-level discussions, dialogues and networks, and contributes to public debate.
ISworks closely with RUSI’s thematicresearch teams, coveringMilitary Sciences, Terrorism and Conflict, Organised Crime and Policing, Cyber and Technology, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy and the Centre for Finance and Security.
About the role
The work of the European Security Senior Research Fellow is focused on European security debates and security architecture, the national security and defence policies of European states, and key European alliances and frameworks (inter Alia the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the European Union, and other existing and developing multilateral and minilateral security formats). This will include European responses to shifts in the transatlantic relationship as well as external security challenges to Europefrom Russia, the Middle East and China, and security challenges in Europe’s immediate neighbourhood. The evolving role of the United Kingdom within European security will be a particular focus.
The European Security Senior Research Fellow will work under the supervision of the Director, International Security (IS), and will be a part of the IS team.
The Senior Research Fellow will be a focal point for activity across all parts of RUSI, including RUSI Brussels, in developing the Institute’s work on European security. They will build on existing work already conducted across RUSI on European security with wider strategic perspectives and debates on foreign, security and defence policy, as well as developing new research agendas.
Key tasks
The Senior Research Fellow’s responsibilities will include:
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To advance a high-quality research agenda on European security;
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To contribute to immediate and long-term business development and fundraising for work on European security, including through individually identifying fundraising opportunities, taking a lead role on proposals for external funding and personally maintaining funder relationships;
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To manage and develop the European Security in Transformation programme;
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To conduct high quality research and produce leading publications on European security for RUSI;
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To organise and participate in conferences, workshops, and briefings addressing issues of European security;
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To build networks and partnerships with leading European security and defence research centres and to maintain close contacts with European governments and security organisations;
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To contribute to debates in the United Kingdom on European security and the UK’s interests and role in this area, including through working closely with national and international media;
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To contribute to the evolution and delivery of the IS business development strategy in support of the team’s research agenda.
* 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
The successful candidate will have the following experience, qualifications and attributes:
Essential skills and experience
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You hold a postgraduate qualification in International Relations, Security Studies, European area studies or a related subject, or equivalent professional experience;
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You have significant expertise/experience in international relations and the security politics of Europe, inter alia NATO and European Union, and a strong knowledge of the United Kingdom’s engagement in European security;
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You have a track record of conducting research and analysis and delivering high-quality written and oral outputs related to European security;
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You have significant experience in business development and success in fundraising for research;
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You have a demonstrated ability in the development and successful deliveryof projects,
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You have good leadership skills and are comfortable working independently to achieve agreed goals and as part of a dynamic team;
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You have well-developed interpersonal skills and feel comfortable engaging and building relationships with people from various cultural and professional backgrounds; you work collaboratively.
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You have high professional values and standards characterised by objectivity, analytical rigour, and integrity.
Desirable skills:
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You have experience of working in a think tank, government department, international organisation or University on European security issues;
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You have experience in public speaking and media engagement;
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Knowledge of French and/or German languages would be an advantage;
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Existing strong European contact networks.
Our expectations
We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values https://rusi.org/content/values and Equal Opportunities Statement
You should have the right to work in the United Kingdom. You should be willing totravel internationally, should your work demand it.
Benefits
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25 days annual leave (rising with service)
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Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution,
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Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
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Access to free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
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Discretionary closure days over Christmas
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Trained Mental Health First Aiders
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*Enhanced sick pay
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*Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
*Depending on length of service
Application Process
To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to submit:
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Your CV.
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Cover Letter, 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 26 March 2026 at 23:59pm.
Please DO NOT submit multiple applications for this vacancy. We no longer accept applications to our recruitment mailbox; applications received in our mailbox will not be processed.
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