Arbetsbeskrivning

SIPRI’s Armament and Disarmament Cluster is hiring a Research Assistant to join the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programme, with a preference for those who have experience on one of the following issues: outer space security, chemical weapons, or biological weapons.

Context

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international institute whose core mission is to undertake research and activities on security, conflict and peace. Established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public. SIPRI provides excellent opportunities for scientific and personal development. SIPRI is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages women and non-European candidates to apply.

The Research Assistant position

The Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programme at SIPRI seeks to contribute to the understanding of trends and developments pertaining to nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as outer space capabilities. It considers their implications for an increasingly complex security landscape and seeks to identify approaches to address the risks and challenges WMD and strategic capabilities pose. To this end, the Programme examines the political, institutional, legal and technical aspects of WMD and space governance, focusing on international efforts at arms control and disarmament, materials security and non-proliferation, and risk reduction.

Tasks and responsibilities

The main tasks of the Research Assistant are to contribute to the efforts of the Programme in successfully implementing research projects, including by:

• Assisting in research collection and analysis pertaining to topics relevant to WMD projects.
• Contributing to WMD events and other outputs, including publications, meetings, workshops, both administratively and substantively.
• Supporting the WMD team in its other activities, where relevant.
• Reviewing, fact-checking, and proof-reading WMD publications, including the Yearbook and those linked to external projects, as appropriate.
• Taking part in the collective life of the Institute.

Requirements

The Research Assistant should have some educational or research background in WMD or outer space issues.

• A university degree or degrees, in disciplines and topics relevant to this post;
• An interest in and familiarity with arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament issues (familiarity with other SIPRI's research areas is of added value);
• Interest in multilateral institutions, policies and strategies related to arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament;
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, including being a team player;
• Excellent attention to detail;
• An ability to work independently, organize, and manage time effectively;
• Familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the ability and interest to quickly learn relevant and new software tools.
• Fluency in oral and written English

Contract period 

The contract period will initially last for up to two years with the possibility of an extension up to six years. The post is full-time.

The post requires that the candidate becomes a resident in Stockholm, Sweden, when employment starts.

The salary package will be negotiated individually.

For staff recruited from outside Sweden, SIPRI provides support with work and residence permits.

How to apply 

Interested candidates should submit:

• A one-page cover letter in English detailing your qualifications and specifying why you are applying for this position;
• A CV in English including your degrees, work experience, publications, language skills and contact details for two referees;
• A writing sample in English (related to the position) of less than 10 pages.

The application must be made via our electronic application system in the vacancies section of SIPRI’s website. Please access the form via the ‘apply’ button at the end of this page. Applications through any other external job sites are not accepted.

Applications from qualified women and other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged.

The closing date for applications is 22 May 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place in June. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

For enquiries regarding the position, please contact: https://www.sipri.org/about/bios/dr-wilfred-wan, Senior Researcher and Director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programme.

The trade union contacts at SIPRI are Pieter Wezeman for ST and Annika Sailisbury for Saco-S