Senior Research Fellow in City of London

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the world’s oldest and the UK’s leading defence and security think tank. 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.

RUSI is seeking a Senior Research Fellow, Russia and Eurasian Security as a full‑time member of staff in London.

Main purpose of the role: The Senior Research Fellow will be part of the International Security research group and play a pivotal role on Russian and Eurasian issues across RUSI, including through delivery of existing research projects, business development to establish new ones, producing publications and other research products on Russia and Eurasia, and organising and managing events. The Research Fellow will play a leading role in developing the Evolving Security of Russia and Eurasia programme, and will be expected to work closely with national and international media in response to current events. The Senior Research Fellow is responsible for coordinating with RUSI’s network of associate fellows covering the region and for proposing new associates.

Key tasks:

• In coordination with the IS Director and in consultation with other relevant RUSI teams, develop RUSI’s Russia and Eurasia security research, undertake business development in relation to research projects, co‑author successful bids, and liaise with key public and private sector funders;
• Execute and oversee delivery of existing research projects, including responsibility for budget management;
• Make a substantial contribution to published commentary and media engagement on Russian and Eurasian security issues, thereby enhancing RUSI’s national and international profile and reputation;
• Develop RUSI’s Russia and Eurasia security programme, including organising events and publications and supporting the network of RUSI associate fellows to enable them to contribute to the institute’s regional security agenda;
• Represent RUSI at relevant international conferences and forums.

(The above lists of duties are 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

Essential skills and experience:

• Comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of Russian and Eurasian contemporary security issues;
• Evidenced expertise on specific aspects of Russian and Eurasian security, including relevant publications;
• Ideally the candidate would have a mix of policy and academic expertise;
• Ability to work without supervision to achieve agreed goals, and as part of a team;
• Ability to develop, fund‑raise for and successfully deliver research projects;
• Demonstrated experience of working with governments in one of the following fields: civil service, advocacy, think tanks, the private sector or academia;
• Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research;
• Willingness and ability to contribute to the public understanding of the field, including through media engagements, and ability to present complex issues in an engaging and clear way;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders;
• Fluency in Russian.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience working in the region or for organisations involved in the region an advantage;
• A post‑graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g., politics, international relations, security studies);
• Experience working in a thinktanks/charity sector;
• Knowledge of relevant languages in addition to Russian.

We expect all staff to abide by and promote RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement.

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;
• Free access to RUSI's world‑leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library;
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders;
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (depending on length of service).

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions. Your CV. Cover Letter of no more than 2 pages explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience. A sample of your written work. Please note the sample of your written work and Cover Letter will need to be uploaded in one single document. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Monday 15th December 2025. Please DO NOT submit multiple applications for this vacancy. We no longer accept applications to our recruitment mailbox, applications received in our mailbox will not be processed. 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 to promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and to make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices so 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