Duration of placement: 13 weeks.
Proposed working pattern: Full-time
Anticipated start date: 1 October 2025
Application deadline; 18 August 2025
Working arrangements: hybrid
Placement description:
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute and think tank based in London. It conducts in-depth research and analysis on global affairs, aiming to help governments, businesses, and the public make informed decisions.
The Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation at Chatham House empowers aspiring young leaders to meet global challenges and influence a better world. We are now looking to welcome PhD students to the Chatham House research community to offer aspiring researchers an enriching working experience in the workings of a leading policy institute.
Established in 2022, the UK in the World programme at Chatham House provides a hub for long-term, in-depth thinking about the UKʼs foreign policy choices. We focus on a range of topics, but our top themes include: How the UK navigates between the EU, US and China; How the UK invests in economic and societal resilience, science and tech, and defence to enhance its global power; and How the UK builds strategic relationships with the Global South We produce independent research on these issues, focused on practical and timely recommendations, and convene discussions with experts and decision-makers to share relevant experience, analysis and ideas.
During the placement, the student will work closely with the UK in the World research team and contribute to a defined project.
This may involve contributing to a research paper, contributing to a series of convenings, or delivering other research-led outputs. Responsibilities could include conducting desk research and literature reviews, supporting drafting of publications, assisting with research interviews, and helping organise and deliver roundtables or workshops.
Anticipated benefits for the student:
For the duration of the placement, the student is welcome to take part in the Queen Elizabeth II Academyʼs Leadership Masterclass Programme. The programme takes place every Thursday at Chatham House, and it includes skills workshops, thematic sessions, and leadership training. The participants of the course are 10-12 early- to-mid career researchers or other policy professionals based in London. The student will also gain access to Chatham Houseʼs wider networks, as they are welcome to attend events across different Chatham House research departments.
Their work at the UK in the World Programme will enhance the studentʼs ability to translate complex ideas into accessible writing for policy and public audiences. By engaging with research and researchers, the student will develop a deeper understanding of the UKʼs foreign policy landscape and global role. They will also gain practical skills in event planning, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination.
While working at Chatham House, the student has the opportunity to work closely with our diverse community of world-leading policy experts and to network with commentators, researchers and international policymakers. They will also have access to our Library and online e-Library, as well as our frequent and engaging events – both online and at Chatham House each week.
Expertise and experience needed by the student:
The student should have:
- Strong research skills in a relevant field, particularly the ability to synthesise complex information;
- Demonstrable interest in UK foreign policy and international affairs broadly;
- Excellent, professional written and verbal communication skills, particularly the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly;
- Excellent attention to detail and able to work under tight timeframes whilst balancing various tasks;
- A collaborative approach, able to form positive working relationships with people at all levels, internally and externally;
- Good IT skills and familiarity with Office 365 suite (inc. MS Teams, Word and Outlook).
Desirable:
- Experience researching UK foreign policy;
- Experience in coordinating and delivering high quality events for online meeting platforms and in-person events;
- Experience using digital communication channels e.g. Bluesky, LinkedIn, X and email promotion tools.
How to apply:
To apply, students should submit responses to the following questions:
- Why do you want to complete a placement at the UK in the World Team at Chatham House, and which skills are you hoping to gain? (200 words)
- Please describe a time when you worked as part of a team. What was your role, how did you contribute, and what did you learn from the experience? (200 words)
- Tell us about your research and how you think you could apply the skills you are building in your PhD to working at a policy institute (200 words)
- Please describe a time when you translated complex research findings into clear, accessible writing. What was the context, who was the audience, and what approach did you take to ensure clarity and impact? (150 words)
Students should submit the above responses to Chatham House careers portal by Monday 18 August 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at the end of August.
Full details on the Chatham House web pages: https://careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/6236507-research-in-practise-phd-placement/57338bad-e937-45d0-b6bf-f20fea7d9e55