Job Description

Reportsto

:

Deputy Director-General

Department:

Research Editorial

Salaryrange:

50,000 - 60,000 per annum dependingon skills and experience

Location:

Hybrid, with at least two days a week in RUSIs London (Home/London office)

Contract:

Full time, one-year fixed term

About

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is theworlds oldest and the UKs leading independent think tank engaged in cutting-edge research in defence andsecurity. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on asafer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producingindependent, practical and innovative analysis to address todays complexchallenges.


RUSI publishes a wide variety of research outputs,including Research Papers, Commentaries, Newsbriefs, among others. It alsohouses the RUSI Journal, a leading peer-reviewed academic journal indefence and security that was first established in 1857 and is published byTaylor and Francis. RUSI produces approximately 60 research publications peryear. These publications combine scholarly rigour and policy relevance and areintended to be readable for a wide audience. The Institutes published worksare well regarded for their accuracy and clarity of expression on often technicaltopics.

Main purpose of the post

We are now recruiting for a maternity coverposition for the current Head of Research Governance and Editorial. This is aunique and exciting opportunity for those interested in supporting aworld-class group of researchers in defence, security and geopolitics. The rolerequires a good understanding of research in general, particularlyresearch methods, research design and ethics. The successful candidate will beexpected to have experience working with authors in a research/academicenvironment, have great attention to detail, be proactive and adopt a positive,flexible and problem-solving attitude. Experience working in a think tank wouldbe an asset for this role.


Thisis an excellent opportunity for experienced academics/researchers or editorswith experience working in academic journals or research institutes.

Detailed

The Head of Research Governance and Editorials role covers sixaspects:

1) Pitch and manuscript development: The role holderwill work closely with researchers across the Institute from the paper pitchstage through to submission, supporting researchers in the development of theirmanuscripts.

2) Research editorial, quality assurance and peer review:The Head of Research Governance and Editorial leads RUSIs researcheditorial process, taking a paper from submission to final draft. Therole-holder will review submitted drafts, provide advice and guidance to authors,source and manage peer reviewers, and coordinate the internal approval process.The role- holder will then hand the paper over to the Publications team for editing,typesetting and publication.

3) Research training: The role-holder willidentify, offer and deliver (or help to organise) training and workshops forRUSI staff, as needed, on research methods, ethics and integrity, tools and researchplanning and design.

4) Research design and methodology: Therole-holder will, as needed, provide guidance and support to researchers acrossthe Institute at the pre-bidding stage in order to frame a sound methodology,adopt appropriate research design, tools and methods, test feasibility andassess ethical considerations in research. They will own and update internal toolsand literature on research methods and design, to support researchers in theirresearch.

5) Research ethics and integrity:The role-holderwill lead research ethics and integrity policy development at RUSI to ensurecompliance, chair the Research Ethics and Integrity Committee, manage theresearch ethics review process, and support research teams, as needed, withexternal ethics review processes. They will also draft and update researchtemplates to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

6) Research tools and best practice: The role-holderwill respond to research needs by identifying supportive research tools thataid researchers in their work and will provide regular training on these tools.They will work closely with other teams at RUSI to provide researchers withguidance on best practice.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

A strong interest in and understanding ofinternational affairs, defence and security, ideally evidenced througheducation at PhD level or equivalent work experience, or both. Proven significant experience in research editing. The ability to guide colleagues to ensure researchoutputs meet the high standards expected by the Institute. Excellent communication, interpersonal andnegotiating and influencing skills, including the ability to communicateeffectively and manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders,including senior researchers. Excellent organisational and project-managementskills and the ability to multi-task, juggling simultaneous tasks and managing complexprojects while remaining calm under pressure. Excellent command of the English language with a forensiceye for detail and a proven ability to spot inconsistencies and structuralerrors. A proven, detailed understanding of researchdesign, planning, methodology and ethics. Goodadministrative skills, including experience handling files.

Desirable skills

Experience working in an academic, think tank orother research institution. A PhD or equivalent in a related field, such asinternational relations, defence studies, war studies or similar. Advanced research experience. Experience offering training to colleagues

Our expectations

We expect all staff to abideby and promote our RUSIs Vision and Values https://rusi.org/content/values and Equal OpportunitiesStatement.

Benefits

25 days annualleave (rising with service) Additional daysoff during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days Generous pensioncontributions at 6% employer contribution, Access to 24/7Employee Assistance Programme Season ticketloan Free access toRUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materialsand library Trained Mental Health First Aiders Enhanced sick pay
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
+ Depending on length of service

Application Process

To apply, please click on the apply button andfollow the instructions. You will be asked to include:

Your CV; Coverletter of no more than one page.

Closing date:

5pm UK on 9 June 2025

.Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date broughtforward if needed. Early application is encouraged.


Please note that all short-listed candidates willbe asked to take a written test.

EqualOpportunity and Values

At RUSIyou will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, andprojects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusiveteams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed inpromoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as thecommunities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectivenessof our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creatinga more diverse workforce.


We are aware that thequestionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds andidentities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note thatthis data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. Ifyou are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip thequestions entirely.


If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org