Deadline: September 7, 2026
Applications are open for the Chatham House Research in Practice – PhD placement 2026/2027. Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute and world-leading think tank based in London. It conducts in-depth research and analysis on global affairs, aiming to help governments, businesses and the public make informed decisions.
The Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation at Chatham House empowers aspiring young leaders to address global challenges and influence a better world. We are now looking to welcome PhD students to the Chatham House research community to offer aspiring researchers an enriching working experience in a leading policy institute.
Placement Details
As part of the placement, the student will be expected to:
- Work on and contribute to a research project – either a paper, series of convenings or other similar work – for the duration of the placement. This could include but is not limited to desk research and literature reviews, helping with drafting publications, designing and undertaking research interviews and collating feedback; designing, developing and delivering a research roundtable(s); synthesising high-level workshop and conference discussions, etc.;
- Support the programme in responding to important international developments related to the programme’s focus by undertaking research, writing briefs or monitoring issue(s) in a timely fashion;
- Where appropriate, collaborate with colleagues from across other regional and thematic research areas to draw together complementary research and explore avenues for potential collaboration;
- Work with the team to identify and pursue opportunities for developing research and grant proposals. With support from the programme, contribute to research proposals for submission to a breadth of potential funders, including governments, businesses and foundations;
- As appropriate, gain experience in drafting, monitoring and reconciling project reports and budgets; and
- As appropriate, support with Chatham House events including identifying topics, suggesting speakers and planning.
In addition to their work in a research team, the student will take part in The Queen Elizabeth II Academy’s Leadership Masterclass Programme for the duration of the placement. The programme takes place every Thursday and includes skills workshops, thematic sessions and leadership training. The student will also gain access to Chatham House’s wider networks, library and busy events schedule featuring world-leading experts.
Eligibility
Open only to PhD students affiliated with the following DTPs:
- UCL, Bloomsbury and East London Doctoral Training Programme
- London School of Economics Doctoral Training Programme
- London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Programme
Applicants may apply to one of the five Chatham House research programmes:
- Europe Programme
- Global Health Programme
- International Law Programme
- International Security Programme
- US and North America Programme
Application
Application closing date is Monday 7 September 2026, 23:59 GMT. Placement duration is 1 October 2026 – 8 January 2027 (3 months, full-time).
For more information, visit Research in Practice – PhD placement.
