Research Analyst for China Programme

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 24 April 2026
LOCATION
London
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Research
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Mandarin Chinese Research Data Analysis International Relations Strategic Studies Security Policy Defence Policy Research

FULL DESCRIPTION

Research Analyst for China Programme

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a defence and security think tank that has a deep understanding of regional geopolitics and geo-economics in a global context. Its international researchers provide best-in-class independent and impartial analysis and provide insights on strategic challenges and priorities to governments and the private sector. It is expert at bringing together national leaders and senior policymakers in foreign policy, defence and security; promoting dialogue; and facilitating effective and influential bilateral and multilateral consultations.

An opportunity has arisen in the London office for a Research Analyst to join the China Programme. Suitable areas of specialisation for candidates would be Chinese domestic politics; or Chinese foreign and security police; or analysis of China’s economy.

Responsibilities

  • Collection and assessment of qualitative and quantitative data on China’s security and defence activities. This will include open-source primary Mandarin Chinese and secondary source research.
  • Maintain databases on a variety of China-related research topics.
  • Support the China Programme’s research and consultancy projects that require in-depth understanding of China’s domestic politics, foreign policy and economic strategy.

Requirements

  • A master’s degree in a relevant field such as international relations, strategic studies, war studies or economics, OR a relevant professional background in the armed forces or defence intelligence.
  • Proven experience in policy-relevant research and publication on security, defence and military matters.
  • Able to work with large qualitative and quantitative datasets and manipulate them.
  • Excellent command of spoken and written English. High proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is a requirement for this role.

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the “Apply Now” blue button above and follow the instructions to submit two documents: - a cover letter outlining what skills and experience you can bring to the role. - a full Curriculum Vitae.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 13 April 2025.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Due to the volume of expected applications, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

*The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.*

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