The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is inviting applications for the position of Research Assistant within Armament and Disarmament to support its internationally recognized research programmes on military expenditure, arms production, arms trade controls, disarmament, and artificial intelligence governance.

This full-time research position offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers and professionals interested in global security, peace studies, defence policy, international relations, and emerging security technologies to contribute to evidence-based research that informs policymakers, academics, international organizations, and the global public.

The successful candidate will join SIPRI’s Armament and Disarmament cluster and contribute to one or more of three major research programmes:

• Military Expenditure and Arms Production (MILAP)
• Dual-use and Arms Trade Control (DUAT)
• Governance of Artificial Intelligence (GOV-AI)

The position is based in Stockholm, Sweden, with an expected starting date in Q4 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The initial contract duration is two years, with the possibility of extension.

Application deadline: 26 July 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

 

About the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

Established in 1966, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international research institute dedicated to studying security, conflict, peace, and global stability.

SIPRI conducts research and provides reliable data, analysis, and policy recommendations based on publicly available information. Its work supports:

• Policymakers
• Researchers
• International organizations
• Journalists
• Civil society organizations
• The general public

SIPRI is internationally recognized for its objective research, transparency, and commitment to improving understanding of security challenges worldwide.

The institute’s research on armament and disarmament focuses on:

• The development of military technologies
• Global arms production
• International arms transfers
• Military expenditure trends
• Conventional weapons
• Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons
• Export control systems
• Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and quantum technologies

 

Research Areas Covered by the Position

The selected Research Assistant will support activities across SIPRI’s Armament and Disarmament programmes.

1. Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme (MILAP)

SIPRI’s Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme is one of its oldest and most established research areas.

The programme manages important global databases, including:

• SIPRI Military Expenditure Database
• SIPRI Arms Industry Database

These databases provide transparent and independently verifiable information covering military spending and arms production across almost every country worldwide.

Responsibilities under MILAP include:

• Supporting research activities related to:
  • Military expenditure
  • Defence industries
  • Arms production trends
• Collecting and analyzing data.
• Drafting research reports and publications.
• Identifying new information sources and validating data.
• Supporting:
  • SIPRI Yearbook production
  • Database updates
  • Externally funded research projects
• Reviewing and fact-checking publications.
• Proofreading reports and research outputs.
• Supporting communication with media and external stakeholders.
• Assisting with:
  • Research events
  • Fundraising activities
  • Project coordination

 

2. Dual-use and Arms Trade Control Programme (DUAT)

The DUAT Programme focuses on strengthening knowledge and international cooperation related to arms trade regulations and dual-use technologies.

The programme examines how countries and international organizations develop and implement:

• Export control systems
• Arms trade regulations
• International agreements
• Regional security standards

Responsibilities under DUAT include:

• Conducting research on international and regional arms trade control frameworks.
• Monitoring trends in export control agreements and implementation.
• Supporting research publications.
• Contributing to SIPRI Yearbook activities.
• Assisting with project dissemination.
• Supporting seminars, workshops, and awareness-raising activities.
• Helping organize events and fundraising activities.

 

3. Governance of Artificial Intelligence Programme (GOV-AI)

The Governance of AI Programme explores the relationship between artificial intelligence, security, conflict, and international peace.

The programme examines:

• How AI technologies may transform warfare.
• Risks associated with autonomous weapons.
• AI applications in military environments.
• Governance frameworks for emerging technologies.
• International approaches to AI safety and security.

Responsibilities under GOV-AI include:

• Conducting research on AI-related security challenges.
• Collecting and analyzing information.
• Managing and organizing research sources.
• Supporting externally funded projects.
• Preparing press reviews.
• Contributing to research publications and project outputs.
• Supporting dissemination activities.
• Helping organize workshops, dialogues, and capacity-building activities.

 

Main Responsibilities of the Research Assistant

Under the supervision of a Programme Director, the Research Assistant will:

• Support implementation of SIPRI research activities.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research.
• Collect, analyze, and organize information.
• Prepare research materials and reports.
• Contribute to publications and policy outputs.
• Support international research projects.
• Participate in workshops, seminars, and expert discussions.
• Assist with administrative and coordination tasks related to research activities.

The position requires flexibility, professionalism, independence, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

 

Required Qualifications and Skills

Applicants must demonstrate:

Academic Qualifications

A university degree or degrees in relevant disciplines, including:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Economics
• Security Studies
• Related fields relevant to international peace and security

Research Knowledge

Candidates should have:

• Strong interest in:
  • Arms control
  • Disarmament
  • Non-proliferation
  • International security issues
• Experience conducting open-source research.
• Ability to analyze complex information.
• Attention to detail and strong research skills.

Professional Skills

Successful candidates should have:

• Ability to work independently.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Effective time management abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an international team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Language Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Excellent written and spoken English skills.

Additional languages are considered an advantage.

Swedish language knowledge is not required.

Technical Skills

Applicants should have:

• Very good knowledge of Microsoft Office tools:
  • Word
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Outlook

Candidates should also be willing and able to quickly learn new research and digital tools.

 

Contract Details and Benefits

Selected candidates will receive:

• A full-time employment contract.
• Initial two-year appointment.
• Possibility of contract extension.
• Work location in Stockholm, Sweden.
• Support with work permit and migration processes where applicable.
• Economy-class travel support to Stockholm for successful candidates.
• Opportunity to work within a globally recognized peace and security research institute.
• Exposure to international experts, researchers, policymakers, and global security discussions.

Please note:

• Moving and relocation expenses are not covered.
• Salary will be determined individually based on qualifications and professional experience.

 

Application Process

Applicants must submit the following documents in English:

1. Cover Letter

A one-page cover letter explaining:

• Motivation for applying.
• Interest in the position.
• Preferred programme:
  • MILAP
  • DUAT
  • Governance of AI

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

The CV should include:

• Academic qualifications.
• Professional experience.
• Publications.
• Language skills.
• Relevant research experience.

References will be requested from shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.

Applications must be submitted through the official SIPRI recruitment platform. Applications sent through other channels will not be considered.

 

Important Dates

• Application deadline: 26 July 2026, 23:59 CEST
• Expected interviews: End of August / Early September 2026
• Expected starting date: Q4 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

 

Why Apply for This SIPRI Research Assistant Position?

This opportunity is ideal for candidates who want to:

• Build a career in international peace and security research.
• Gain experience with globally recognized research databases.
• Work on issues affecting global stability.
• Contribute to evidence-based policy discussions.
• Develop expertise in arms control, military affairs, and emerging technologies.
• Collaborate with researchers from around the world.

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their application through the official SIPRI recruitment portal:

 

Apply here

 

Learn More

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