Research Analyst (Land), Defence and Military Analysis Programme

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading strategic research institute is seeking a Research Analyst to join its Defence and Military Analysis Programme, focusing on ground forces and land warfare. This full-time position is a fixed-term contract based in either London or Berlin. Candidates should have a Master’s degree or relevant military experience, strong analytical skills, and fluency in English. The role involves collecting and validating data for significant military publications. Applications are open until 9 January 2026.

Qualifications

• A Master's degree in a relevant subject or professional experience in armed forces.
• Experience using open-source information for research and analysis.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English; additional languages desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect, assess, and validate land domain data for publications.
• Assist in research and analysis on ground forces.
• Contribute across DMAP activities.

Skills

Research and analysis skills

Excellent command of spoken and written English

Experience in using database products

Education

Master’s degree in strategic studies or military affairs

Job description

Research Analyst (Land), Defence and Military Analysis Programme

Location: London or Berlin (office based)

Contract: Fixed-term (one year)

Hours: Full-time

The International Institute for Strategic Studies is looking to recruit a Research Analyst to work for the IISS Defence and Military Analysis Programme (DMAP) on ground forces and the land domain. 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.

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

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the land data team lead, collect, assess and validate land domain force structure, equipment inventory and deployment data for IISS publications and databases.
• Assist in DMAP research and analysis on ground forces and land warfare 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.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Additional languages desirable.

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ blue button above and follow the instructions to submit two documents:

• A cover letter outlining what skills and experience they can bring to the role, as well as salary expectations.
• A full Curriculum Vitae (resume), including details of two referees.

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 09 January 2026.

The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.