Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute and world-leading 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 address 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 a leading policy institute.

This application is only open to PhD students affiliated with the following DTPs:

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

Applicants may apply to one of the five Chatham House research programmes:

Europe Programme
Global Health Programme
International Law Programme
International Security Programme
US and North America Programme

Europe Programme

The role of dual-use technologies and defence-industrial integration in Europe's economic resilience
Europe's evolving defence architecture: balancing strategic autonomy with allied cooperation
Europe's engagement with India and the Gulf: forging new bargains on trade, technology and critical minerals

Global Health Programme

Considerations for cooperation on stockpiling of medical supplies for health emergency preparedness
Prospects for mobilizing private sector investment into global biosecurity
The future of “open science” cooperation

International Law Programme

How can a new consensus on the value of the international rule of law and of multilateral institutions be forged?
What modifications to international regulation are required to accommodate the changing global order, or to guide and stabilize that emerging new system?

International Security Programme

How states are navigating a changing security landscape and changing alliance dynamics
How rearmament and new military technologies are changing how conflicts are fought
How states can redefine peacemaking and safeguard the international system

US and North America

America's evolving role in global affairs and the durability of its strategic shifts
Policy implications of change in Washington and Ottawa for the UK, Europe and beyond
Transatlantic relations in an era of global recalibration

The placement

As part of the placement, the student will be expected to:

Work on and contribute to a research project – either a paper, series of convenings or other similar work – for the duration of the placement. This could include but is not limited to desk research and literature reviews, helping with drafting publications, designing and undertaking research interviews and collating feedback; designing, developing and delivering a research roundtable(s); synthesising high-level workshop and conference discussions, etc.;

Support the programme in responding to important international developments related to the programme’s focus by undertaking research, writing briefs or monitoring issue(s) in a timely fashion;

Where appropriate, collaborate with colleagues from across other regional and thematic research areas to draw together complementary research and explore avenues for potential collaboration;

Work with the team to identify and pursue opportunities for developing research and grant proposals. With support from the programme, contribute to research proposals for submission to a breadth of potential funders, including governments, businesses and foundations;

As appropriate, gain experience in drafting, monitoring and reconciling project reports and budgets; and

As appropriate, support with Chatham House events including identifying topics, suggesting speakers and planning.

In addition to their work in a research team, the student will take part in The Queen Elizabeth II Academy’s Leadership Masterclass Programme for the duration of the placement. The programme takes place every Thursday and includes skills workshops, thematic sessions and leadership training. The student will also gain access to Chatham House’s wider networks, library and busy events schedule featuring world-leading experts.

The student should have:

Strong research skills in a relevant field, particularly the ability to synthesise complex information;
Demonstrable interest in 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 ability 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; and
Good IT skills and familiarity with Office 365 suite (inc. MS Teams, Word and Outlook).

Details:

Placement duration: 1 October 2026 – 8 January 2027 (3 months, full-time).

Location: St James's Square, London. This is a hybrid role based in our London office. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite at least 2 days per week.

Application closing date: Monday 7 September 2026, 23:59 GMT.

Please avoid using AI for your application. We want to hear from you! We can tell the difference between a genuine answer and an AI-generated one. Using AI will run the risk of your application being disqualified.

The Job Description as outlined above will not be available once the closing date has passed. Please ensure you keep a copy for your own record.

Research in Practise - PhD placement

Opportunity to bridge rigorous research with practical impact during a three-month PhD placement at Chatham House.