Research Analyst (Aerospace), Defence and Military Analysis Programme

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is seeking a Research Analyst for the Defence and Military Analysis Programme, focusing on air and space forces. The role is fixed-term for one year in London or Berlin, with full-time hours.

Reporting to the aerospace data team lead, you will validate and analyze air and space domain data for IISS publications and databases. Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent defence-related experience, strong

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in strategic studies or military affairs, or relevant defence experience.
• Experience with open-source research and communicating conclusions.
• Experience with databases and large datasets, maintaining data standards.

Responsibilities

• Report to the aerospace data team lead and validate air and space domain data.
• Assist DMAP research on air and space forces.
• Contribute across DMAP activities.
• Develop future specialisations in armed forces organisation and defence tech developments.

Skills

Open-source research

Data analysis

English proficiency

Data management

Education

Master’s degree in strategic studies or military affairs

Relevant defence/armed forces experience

Tools

Database software

Job description

• Research Analyst (Aerospace), Defence and Military Analysis Programme

Research Analyst (Aerospace), Defence and Military Analysis Programme

Location: London or Berlin

Contract: Fixed-term, one year

Hours: Full-time

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies is looking to recruit a Research Analyst to work for the IISS Defence and Military Analysis Programme (DMAP), focusing on air and space forces and the air and space domains. The programme’s major print and online output is the IISS flagship publication The Military Balance and the Military Balance+ electronic database, widely regarded as the global benchmark in the assessment of national military capabilities and defence economics.

Responsibilities:

• Reporting to the aerospace data team lead; collect, assess and validate air and space domain force structure, equipment inventory and deployment data for IISS publications and databases.
• Assist in DMAP research and analysis on air and space forces and military aerospace issues.
• Contribute as required across the spectrum of DMAP activities.
• The opportunity to develop future areas of specialisation in the organisation and equipment of armed forces and defence technology developments.

Requirements:

• Completion of a Master’s degree in a relevant subject such as strategic studies or military affairs, OR relevant professional experience in the armed forces, defence intelligence, or a background in relevant defence analysis, specialist publications or defence industry.
• Experience of research and analysis using the full range of open-source information, and disseminating conclusions in written and verbal forms.
• Experience in using or contributing to database products, managing large datasets, and maintaining data standards consistently.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Additional languages desirable.

Remuneration:

The IISS provides a full employment package.

This position is for an initial one-year Fixed Term Contract with the potential for renewal by mutual agreement.

Application:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK or in Germany (EU). Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 13 February 2026.

The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.