Research Analyst/Project Officer – Organised Crime and Policing

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 team

RUSI’s Organised Crime and Policing research group is dedicated to understanding and addressing current and future organised crime and policing challenges, in the UK and globally. The group provides research, analysis and evaluation services for governments, law enforcement agencies, international institutions and the private sector. The group helps to facilitate dialogue between stakeholder communities, conducts research to inform high-level decision-making, and bridges gaps between siloed responses to inform a more holistic, effective and forward-looking response.

Across the UK and globally, the damaging impact of organised crime is felt by individuals, communities, and the public and private sectors. Yet the national and global response has failed to keep pace with an evolving and increasingly technologically enabled threat. This rapidly changing environment has placed the public and private sector under unprecedented pressure to both comprehensively understand these complex and changeable issues, and respond in real time to the threat to national security. In this context, our research explores the scale and nature of the shifting threat from organised crime, the harm it causes, and how best to respond.

About the Role

RUSI wishes to appoint a new position at the level of Research Analyst/Project Officer to work across the Organised Crime and Policing portfolio. RUSI’s Research Analysts and Project Officers are early-career researchers or practitioners who are expected to make a significant contribution to RUSI’s research (projects, publications, events), to support the implementation and administration of existing projects, to assist in fundraising for new programmes, and to develop their professional skills and knowledge when in post.

The successful applicant will be required to support several current funded research projects, and will have ample opportunity to pursue their own research interests. Research and logistical support are another crucial component: the role will support the implementation of existing projects, including grant management, reporting in line with contract requirements, coordinating technical assistance in the form of remote and in-country workshops, supporting the logistics of research activities, and ensuring that projects are run effectively from an administrative perspective.

The Research Analyst/Project Officer will work on the following activities day-to-day:

• Conduct research across the Organised Crime and Policing project portfolio. This will involve conducting literature reviews, deploying a range of research methodologies, as well as drafting, editing, production and publication of research, including peer-reviewed research publications, conference reports, literature reviews, short articles, blogs and guidance papers.
• Support development and lead delivery of key events, such as workshops and conferences, both online/remote and in person, in the UK and in focal countries of ongoing projects.
• Provide programme support across the Organised Crime and Policing research group, including support to grant management, reporting in line with contract requirements, coordinating technical assistance and supporting research logistics.
• Contribute to identifying new research funding opportunities for innovative new projects, engaging potential donors and supporting the development of proposals to generate funding for key research areas.
• Provide administrative support to research projects, including maintaining accurate records, and organising travel (e.g. flights, accommodation and visas) where relevant.
• Support the maintenance of an extensive network of contacts, including other experts (think tank and academia), law enforcement, governments, international organisations and the private sector.
• Support external communications by the research group, including, for example, research communication, newsletter development and growing social media audiences.

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

• Early-career researcher with a demonstrable interest and/or existing record of research, interest and expertise on organised crime, policing, illicit markets or related areas, or with the motivation to develop your career in this specialism.
• Excellent research skills (whether qualitative or quantitative), as well as the ability to communicate to a high standard orally and in writing.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Original thinker, highly motivated to develop new knowledge through original research, and to apply new and existing knowledge to real-world problems.
• Excellent teamworking skills, proficient time management, and the ability to meet multiple deadlines promptly in a dynamic, fast-paced and team-oriented environment.
• Masters’ degree in a related field or demonstrable relevant experience.
• Excellent organisational skills, experience of project administration and organising and supporting events.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to present complex information and demonstrating strong literacy skills.
• Experience conducting research or managing projects in the UK and globally.
• Experience leading the organisation of events.
• Project administration and management knowledge and skills (e.g., experience in using PRINCE 2 or APM methods).
• Experience of budget tracking and management.
• Experience of working in a think tank or not-for-profit sector organisation.
• Experience of using Microsoft Office 365, Teams and Sharepoint; comfortable with a mixture of remote and in-person co-working.
• Experience utilising artificial intelligence tools to support research methodologies or project management tasks.
• Fluency in French or Spanish an advantage.

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 maternity and paternity leave

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to submit:

• Your CV.
• A writing sample Please attach to your CV as you will only be able to upload one document.
• Cover Letter, no longer than 1 page, explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience.

The closing date for applications is 11:59pm on Sunday 24th May 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a written test as part of the recruitment process. 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 make it as diverse as the communities we serve.