Chatham House PhD Research Placement 2026–2027: Apply for a Research Placement at the Queen Elizabeth II Academy
Overview
The Chatham House PhD Research Placement 2026-2027 places doctoral researchers within Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, an independent policy institute in London. It is hosted through the Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation. The placement is full-time for three months, from 1 October 2026 to 8 January 2027, at the St James's Square location, on a hybrid basis with at least two days a week on site.
The student joins one of five research programmes: Europe, Global Health, International Law, International Security, or US and North America. Each lists possible themes, such as Europe's defence architecture, cooperation on medical stockpiling and biosecurity investment, adapting international regulation, rearmament and new military technologies, and transatlantic relations. The student contributes to a research project, which may produce a paper or a series of convenings, through desk research, literature reviews, drafting, interviews, roundtables, research briefs and monitoring international developments. They may also help develop grant proposals, draft project reports, reconcile budgets and support events. Throughout, they take part in the Academy's Leadership Masterclass Programme every Thursday and can use Chatham House's networks, library and events.
Who can apply
Applications are open only to PhD students affiliated with one of three Doctoral Training Programmes: UCL, Bloomsbury and East London; London School of Economics; and London Interdisciplinary Social Science. No nationality restriction is stated.
Requirements
Chatham House seeks strong research skills and the ability to synthesize complex information, interest in foreign policy and international affairs, excellent written and verbal communication, attention to detail under tight deadlines, a collaborative style and good IT skills with Microsoft Teams, Word and Outlook.
How to apply
Applicants should choose one programme and show how their doctoral work connects to it. Chatham House asks applicants not to use AI in their applications and warns that doing so risks disqualification. The job description will not be available after closing, so applicants should save a copy.
Key dates
The deadline is Monday, 7 September 2026 at 23:59 GMT.