Head of Research Governance and Editorial (maternity leave cover)

Royal United Services Institute; London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent think tank in London seeks a Head of Research Governance and Editorial for maternity cover. This role involves supporting researchers, managing editorial processes, and ensuring high standards in research outputs. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent experience in international affairs and proven skills in research editing and project management.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Generous pension contributions

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Season ticket loan

Free access to events and research materials

Enhanced sick pay

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Experience in research editing and academic environments.
• Strong understanding of research methods and ethics.

Responsibilities

• Support researchers in manuscript development and submission.
• Lead research editorial process and quality assurance.
• Provide training on research methods and ethics.

Skills

Research Editing

Communication

Organizational Skills

Project Management

Attention to Detail

Education

PhD in International Affairs

Job description

Reports to: Deputy Director-General

Department: Research Editorial

Salary range: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum depending on skills and experience

Location: Hybrid, with at least two days a week in RUSI's London (Home/London office)

Contract: Full time, one-year fixed term

About

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.

RUSI publishes a wide variety of research outputs, including Research Papers, Commentaries, Newsbriefs, among others. It also houses the RUSI Journal, a leading peer-reviewed academic journal in defence and security that was first established in 1857 and is published by Taylor and Francis. RUSI produces approximately 60 research publications per year. These publications combine scholarly rigour and policy relevance and are intended to be readable for a wide audience. The Institute's published works are well regarded for their accuracy and clarity of expression on often technical topics.

Main purpose of the post

We are now recruiting for a maternity cover position for the current Head of Research Governance and Editorial. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for those interested in supporting a world-class group of researchers in defence, security and geopolitics. The role requires a good understanding of research in general, particularly research methods, research design and ethics. The successful candidate will be expected to have experience working with authors in a research/academic environment, have great attention to detail, be proactive and adopt a positive, flexible and problem-solving attitude. Experience working in a think tank would be an asset for this role.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced academics/researchers or editors with experience working in academic journals or research institutes.

Detailed Job Description

The Head of Research Governance and Editorial's role covers six aspects:

1) Pitch and manuscript development: The role holder will work closely with researchers across the Institute from the paper pitch stage through to submission, supporting researchers in the development of their manuscripts.

2) Research editorial, quality assurance and peer review: The Head of Research Governance and Editorial leads RUSI's research editorial process, taking a paper from submission to final draft. The role-holder will review submitted drafts, provide advice and guidance to authors, source and manage peer reviewers, and coordinate the internal approval process. The role- holder will then hand the paper over to the Publications team for editing, typesetting and publication.

3) Research training: The role-holder will identify, offer and deliver (or help to organise) training and workshops for RUSI staff, as needed, on research methods, ethics and integrity, tools and research planning and design.

4) Research design and methodology: The role-holder will, as needed, provide guidance and support to researchers across the Institute at the pre-bidding stage in order to frame a sound methodology, adopt appropriate research design, tools and methods, test feasibility and assess ethical considerations in research. They will own and update internal tools and literature on research methods and design, to support researchers in their research.

5) Research ethics and integrity: The role-holder will lead research ethics and integrity policy development at RUSI to ensure compliance, chair the Research Ethics and Integrity Committee, manage the research ethics review process, and support research teams, as needed, with external ethics review processes. They will also draft and update research templates to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

6) Research tools and best practice: The role-holder will respond to research needs by identifying supportive research tools that aid researchers in their work and will provide regular training on these tools. They will work closely with other teams at RUSI to provide researchers with guidance on best practice.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• A strong interest in and understanding of international affairs, defence and security, ideally evidenced through education at PhD level or equivalent work experience, or both.
• Proven significant experience in research editing.
• The ability to guide colleagues to ensure research outputs meet the high standards expected by the Institute.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiating and influencing skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior researchers.
• Excellent organisational and project-management skills and the ability to multi-task, juggling simultaneous tasks and managing complex projects while remaining calm under pressure.
• Excellent command of the English language with a forensic eye for detail and a proven ability to spot inconsistencies and structural errors.
• A proven, detailed understanding of research design, planning, methodology and ethics.
• Good administrative skills, including experience handling files.

Desirable skills

• Experience working in an academic, think tank or other research institution.
• A PhD or equivalent in a related field, such as international relations, defence studies, war studies or similar.
• Advanced research experience.
• Experience offering training to colleagues

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.

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

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions. You will be asked to include:
• Your CV;
• Cover letter of no more than one page.

Closing date: 5pm UK on 9 June 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged.

Please note that all short-listed candidates will be asked to take a written test.

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 are 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 [email protected]