Research Analyst

Royal United Services Institute; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a part-time research assistant to support the Military Sciences team. This role involves conducting in-depth research on military aviation and defence policies, contributing to written analyses, and developing relationships with key stakeholders in the defence sector. As part of a dynamic team, you will enhance your expertise in airpower while engaging in meaningful discussions that shape defence strategies. If you're passionate about military research and eager to make an impact in a collaborative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

25 Days Annual Leave

Generous Pension Contributions

Employee Assistance Programme

Season Ticket Loan

Access to Events and Research Materials

Discretionary Closure Days

Enhanced Maternity Leave

Enhanced Paternity Leave

Qualifications

• Understanding of military aviation in joint operations.
• Strong analytical skills for presenting facts and policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on western airpower and defence aerospace.
• Provide analytical support to the Senior Research Fellow.

Skills

Military Aviation Understanding

Analytical Skills

Geopolitical Awareness

Communication Skills

Media Production Experience

Education

MSc or MA in Relevant Field

Relevant Work Experience

Job description

Salary range : £ 19,800-£22,800 p/a depending on skills andexperience

Location : London Office (Hybrid, minimum 3 days a week in the office )

Contract : Permanent, Part-time ().6 FTE)

About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the world’s oldest and the UK’s leading defence and security think tank. 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 has over 120 employees. The vast majority of staff are based in our headquarters in London. There are also two smaller offices in Brussels and Nairobi.

About the Team

The Military Sciences research group carries out cutting-edge research to deliver 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.

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

Main purpose of post

The purpose of this post is to provide additional research, briefing and support capacity working with the Senior Research Fellow for Airpower, and as part of the wider Military Sciences team. Over time the intent is for the successful applicant to build up their own profile as an airpower expert, improving both team resilience and providing a diversity of analytical perspectives on key topics.

Key tasks

• Conduct 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 western airpower, threat systems and defence aerospace industry, and the policy implications for the UK and other NATO governments.
• Provide analytical and administrative support to the SRF for Airpower and Technology on a day-to-day basis as needed, to help cover capacity gaps.
• Work on developing sole-authored and co-authored written pieces for RUSI Commentary, RUSI Defence Systems and/or the RUSI Journal, with the aim to develop an independent profile as a RUSI airpower expert.
• 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.

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

• Significant level of understanding of military aviation and its use within the context of joint operations and as an instrument of state power in the modern world.
• Strong analytical skills, with an ability to clearly present facts and associated policy implications both verbally and in writing.
• Strong awareness of current geopolitical events and understanding of the key dynamics of ongoing conflicts and potential flashpoint conflict zones around the world.
• Awareness of the core roles of air and space power, and how the Royal Air Force and UK Armed Forces are configured to employ them for national and NATO missions.
• An MSc, MA or higher degree in a relevant subject , or relevant work experience .
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to present complex information
• Media interviews and/or multimedia production experience in a relevant field.
• Existing contacts in or service experience with the UK Armed Forces, other NATO armed forces and/or Defence Industry.
• A demonstrable track record of previous business development experience.
• A UK Security Clearance or potential eligibility to obtain one at a later stage.
• Experience of working in a not-for-profit sector organisation.
• 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution,
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Access to free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
• Discretionary closure days over Christmas
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• *Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to upload:

• Your CV
• Cover Letter outlining relevant experience and why you are interested in the role
• closing date 23:50pm on the 9 th May 2025.

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 short-listed candidates will be contacted , and those short-listed will be asked to prepare a short-written piece to discuss as part of the interview process.

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.

£19,800 - £22,800 p/a depending on skills and experience