IISS Korea Chair for Advanced Technologies, National Security and Defence

IISS Korea Chair for Advanced Technologies, National Security and Defence

Hours: Full-Time Contract: 3 years fixed-term Location:  London

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.

The IISS is seeking to appoint the inaugural IISS Korea Chair for Advanced Technologies, National Security and Defence. Reporting to the Director for Defence, Technology and Future Conflict and the Head of the Defence and Military Analysis Programme (DMAP), the Chair will also work closely with the Senior Fellow for Cyber Power and Future Conflict (CPFC).

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, highly qualified, senior specialist on defence-related technologies, defence industry and geopolitics with a particular focus on South Korea, the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.

Areas of research specialisation can include: the intersection of defence-related technologies and geopolitics in South Korea and Northeast Asia; supply chain security and the role of South Korean industry; emerging and disruptive technologies and their impact on South Korean security and defence policy; and the emerging regional and global role of South Korea´s defence policy, including defence industrial cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

In addition to delivering the specific research project and leading and developing IISS work in these areas, the candidate will conduct leading-edge research and publish widely as part of our DMAP and CPFC research programmes, and support events by these programmes and other IISS research programmes and regional offices.

Responsibilities

• Establish and deliver an innovative research agenda for the IISS Korea Chair programme.
• Lead and coordinate IISS research activity on Korea-related defence and defence technology issues to produce original, authoritative and data-driven research and written and graphical output.
• Develop roundtables, workshops, conference and event activities that support the delivery of the Korea Chair programme.
• Engage widely with policymakers, defence establishments, business and the media, as well as with the relevant expert community in the United Kingdom, Europe and internationally and, frequently, in Korea.
• Deliver briefings and consultancy reports for IISS clients.
• Work with IISS colleagues on maintaining and improving relevant aspects of IISS data holdings.

Requirements

• Strong background in Korean defence and/or defence technology, with experience in government and/or the private sector.
• Background in policy-relevant research is desirable.
• Korean language is desirable but not essential.
• Professional writing skills.
• Ease with international travel.

Remuneration

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with knowledge and skills.  The IISS provides a full employment package.

Application

Candidates should submit a cover letter stating their suitability for the post and a CV by pressing the blue ‘apply now’ button on the left-hand side of this screen. The closing date for receipt of applications is 2 March 2025.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of employment. The IISS will provide visa sponsorship for this position if necessary.

Due to the expected volume of applications, only those applicants selected for interview will receive a reply following the acknowledgement email.

*The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.*