Summary

Reports to: Director, Cyber and Tech

Department: Cyber and Tech

Salary Range: £40,000 - £55,000 depending on skills and experience

Location: London Office

Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract (with view to an extension), Full Time

About RUSI

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), based in London, Brussels and Nairobi, is the UK’s leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. 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.

About the Role

This position sits in RUSI’s Cyber and Tech research team. You will grow a funded programme of research and events on the intersection between technology, national security, geopolitical competition and economic growth.

The successful candidate will build on an ongoing portfolio that explores how nations can secure strategic advantage through science, technology and innovation policy. You will explore critical technologies and provide essential insights for policymakers and the public, highlighting their significance for national security and innovation. You will take what can sometimes be a complex and technical concepts and aim to communicate them in plain language, for non-technical audiences.

The successful candidate will identify and win research bids, while developing a credible research agenda, in doing so, they will partner with governments and industry (e.g. Frontier AI labs, Defence AI organisations and technology start-ups).

Key Tasks

Conduct business development.

Identify and secure new opportunities for research relating to technology and national security. Write research proposals, concept notes and respond to calls for proposals. Develop a stable and renewable portfolio of work.

Publish research. Produce and publish impactful research ing varying formats on technology and national security issues, informing policy, public debate, or practice.

Project Management. Ensure that research projects are run effectively and efficiently and achieve their desired outcomes; liaising with beneficiaries, partners and funders where appropriate.

Generate and demonstrate impact. Engage with policymakers, governments, international organisations, industry leaders, and academic experts to showcase research, build networks and exchange knowledge.

Design and deliver events. Connect and develop a community, in close co-ordination with other researchers and the RUSI Events team, building high-quality panels and other innovative events and activities.

Collaborate across RUSI. Develop research ideas with other researchers across RUSI to take forward develop cross-cutting RUSI research projects and build RUSI’s collective expertise.

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

The job holder should be able to demonstrate the following essential skills, knowledge and experience:

Previous experience in identifying and securing funding on issues relating to technology and national security;
Previous experience working on disruptive technologies (e.g. AI or Quantum technologies) and their implications for national security, including within the UK context ;

Outstanding research skills (qualitative or quantitative);

Excellent written English. Able to produce clear, accurate and insightful written output, meeting the highest quality standards;

The ability to write for different audiences, including taking technical concepts and presenting them in language that is appropriate for policymakers;

Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and be able to communicate complex material with clarity;

Be a collaborative team player who can work successfully as part of a team, while having the capacity to take forward your own work without the need for excessive supervision;

Highly motivated to develop new knowledge through original research and to apply new and existing knowledge to real-world problems;

Experience in project management and excellent organisational skills;

Previous experience of leading and supervising research projects and people, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment;

A postgraduate qualification in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values.

Benefits

25 days annual leave (rising with service)
Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days
Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution,
Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Season ticket loan
Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
Trained Mental Health First Aiders
*Enhanced sick pay
*Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

*Depending on length of service

Application Process

Use the apply button to submit your CV, cover letter (not more than one page) stating why you think you should be considered for this role.

Interviews will be completed virtually. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a 45-minute interview followed by a 30 minute written exercise.

The closing date for applications is midnight, on Sunday 10th May 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org

Research Fellow, Technology and National Security

UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics