Research Analyst (Maritime), Defence and Military Analysis Programme

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

Job summary

The International Institute for Strategic Studies is seeking a Research Analyst for its Defence and Military Analysis Programme. The role involves collecting and validating maritime data related to naval forces and conducting research on maritime warfare issues.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree in strategic studies or have relevant military experience and will have excellent English language skills. The position is office-based in London or Berlin with a full employment package.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or relevant experience in military affairs or defence analysis.
• Experience with research and dissemination of conclusions.
• Experience using or contributing to databases.

Responsibilities

• Collect, assess, and validate maritime domain data.
• Assist in DMAP research on naval forces.
• Contribute to DMAP activities as needed.

Skills

Research and analysis

Data collection

Excellent command of English

Open-source information analysis

Education

Master’s degree in strategic studies or military affairs

Job description

Research Analyst (Maritime), 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 naval forces and the maritime 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 maritime data team lead, collect, assess and validate maritime domain organisation, equipment inventory and deployment data for IISS publications and databases.
• Assist in DMAP research and analysis on naval forces and maritime 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.

Remuneration

The IISS provides a full employment package. More information about the IISS can be found at https://www.iiss.org/careers .

Application

Candidates should submit their applications by following 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.