Research in Practice – PhD Placement at Chatham House in London

Three-month PhD placement for doctoral students interested in international affairs, foreign policy, security, global health, international law and transatlantic relations

Chatham House is offering an exciting three-month, full-time PhD placement in London, giving doctoral researchers the opportunity to work alongside experts at one of the world's leading independent policy institutes.

The Research in Practice – PhD Placement is designed for PhD students who want to bridge rigorous academic research with practical policy impact. Participants will join one of Chatham House's research programmes and contribute to ongoing research, publications, events and policy-focused projects.

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is open only to PhD students affiliated with one of the following Doctoral Training Programmes (DTPs):

• UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Programme
• London School of Economics Doctoral Training Programme
• London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Programme

Applicants can apply to one of five Chatham House research programmes.

Research Areas

Europe Programme

Potential research topics include:

• The role of dual-use technologies and defence-industrial integration in Europe's economic resilience
• Europe's evolving defence architecture and the balance between strategic autonomy and allied cooperation
• Europe's engagement with India and the Gulf, particularly around trade, technology and critical minerals

Global Health Programme

Research opportunities include:

• Cooperation on stockpiling medical supplies for health emergency preparedness
• Mobilising private-sector investment in global biosecurity
• The future of international “open science” cooperation

International Law Programme

Possible topics include:

• Building a new consensus around the value of international rule of law and multilateral institutions
• Adapting international regulation to a changing global order

International Security Programme

Research may focus on:

• How states are responding to changing security environments and alliance dynamics
• The impact of rearmament and emerging military technologies on modern conflicts
• New approaches to peacemaking and safeguarding the international system

US and North America Programme

Potential topics include:

• America's changing role in global affairs
• The implications of political developments in Washington and Ottawa for the UK and Europe
• The future of transatlantic relations in a period of global recalibration

What Will the PhD Placement Involve?

The successful candidate will contribute to a research project throughout the placement. Activities may include conducting desk research and literature reviews, contributing to publications, designing and conducting research interviews, organising research roundtables and synthesising discussions from high-level workshops and conferences.

The PhD researcher may also be asked to monitor important international developments, prepare policy briefs and collaborate with researchers working across different regional and thematic programmes.

Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to research and grant proposals and, where appropriate, gain experience with project reporting and budgets.

The placement can also provide experience in supporting Chatham House events, including identifying topics, suggesting speakers and helping with event planning.

Leadership Development

The placement offers more than research experience.

During the three months, the successful student will participate in the Queen Elizabeth II Academy's Leadership Masterclass Programme, held every Thursday. The programme includes skills workshops, thematic sessions and leadership training.

Participants will also gain access to Chatham House's professional networks, library and programme of events featuring leading experts in international affairs.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong research skills in a relevant academic field
• The ability to analyse and synthesise complex information
• A strong interest in foreign policy and international affairs
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to explain complex ideas clearly
• Excellent attention to detail
• The ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple tasks
• A collaborative and professional approach
• Good IT skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, including Teams, Word and Outlook

Placement Details

Organisation: Chatham House – The Royal Institute of International Affairs
Position: Research in Practice – PhD Placement
Duration: 1 October 2026 – 8 January 2027
Length: 3 months
Schedule: Full-time
Location: St James's Square, London
Working arrangement: Hybrid, with at least 2 days per week onsite
Application deadline: Monday, 7 September 2026, at 23:59 GMT

An Opportunity for Emerging Researchers

For eligible PhD students, this placement offers an opportunity to experience how academic research can be transformed into practical policy work. Working directly with researchers at Chatham House can provide valuable exposure to policy analysis, international networks, research communication and the development of evidence-based recommendations.

Important: Chatham House explicitly asks applicants not to use AI when preparing their application and states that applications may be disqualified if they appear to be AI-generated. Candidates should therefore ensure that their application reflects their own genuine experience, ideas and writing.

Note: The job description will no longer be available after the application deadline, so applicants should keep a copy of the vacancy information for their records.

Apply

Interested PhD students should check their eligibility through their relevant Doctoral Training Programme and submit their application before the 7 September 2026 deadline.

For more information and the official vacancy, visit Chatham House.

For more information please open this link

Apply Here

https://careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/8124132-research-in-practice-phd-placement?utm_campaign=eur&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=linkedin