Research Intern, Strategy and National Security

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Greater London; Hybrid; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Job summary

A leading defence and security think tank in London seeks a Research Intern to support projects on topics such as hybrid warfare and terrorism. The role requires candidates to work towards a degree in international relations or a related field and demonstrate strong writing skills. This six-week paid internship offers a chance to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Applications are due by 23 March 2026, and candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Working towards a bachelor's or master's degree in international relations, defence and security, or economics.
• Demonstrable ability to write to high standards of English.
• Available to begin the role from 30 March 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support on hybrid warfare, forecasting, terrorism, and financial intelligence.
• Support workshops, roundtables, and other events.
• Participate in crowd forecasting and strategic risks programme activities.

Skills

Writing ability

Research skills

Understanding of international relations

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in relevant field

Job description

• Research Intern, Strategy and National Security

Research Intern, Strategy and National Security

Hours: 20 hours per week

Contract: Fixed-term (six weeks)

Location: London

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 offer 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.

An opportunity has arisen for a research internship in the Geo-economics and Strategy programme, reporting to the Senior Fellow for Strategy and National Security.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support on projects including, but not limited to, hybrid warfare, forecasting, terrorism and financial intelligence.
• Provide support for workshops, roundtables and other events.
• Participate in activities related to the crowd forecasting, collective intelligence and strategic risks programme and gain experience of the IISS and how it operates.

Requirements

The successful candidate will:

• Be working towards a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field of international relations, defence and security, economics, or other relevant topics.
• Have demonstrable ability to write to high standards of English.
• Be able to begin the role from 30 March 2026.

Remuneration

This internship is a paid opportunity.

Eligibility

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.