Assistant Researcher programme

We value our Assistant Researchers – they gain experience and new skills working with us.

We employ several Assistant Researchers each year to undertake core analysis and research related to Ridgeway’s business. These projects are often for high-profile clients and focus on pressing international issues and themes.

Assistant Researchers are assigned to one theme or a specific project, or they may work across a range of different projects depending on business needs, the researcher’s skill set and preference. We currently have assistant researchers working across commercial and public sector projects.

Who we are looking for

Every year, we look for Assistant Researchers to join our nuclear non-proliferation research team. They work 4 days per calendar month, remotely or in our London office, for 12 months. They are normally based in the UK, preferably near (or in) London, Newcastle, or York for the duration of the programme.

Successful candidates have:

  • The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme (unfortunately, we cannot sponsor working visas for this role) 

  • A final-year undergraduate OR enrolled in a postgraduate degree  

  • Strong research and analysis skills 

  • Strong written communication skills 

  • A keen interest in public policy and/or international affairs 

  • The ability to work independently with minimal supervision 

They usually have:

  • Language skills (e.g. in Arabic, Burmese, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Tagalog, Turkish, or Vietnamese) 

  • Interest in or experience working on international peace and security topics, including nuclear non-proliferation 

  • Interest in or experience working with open-source research tools  

They gain:

  • London Living Wage pay

  • Training in open-source and innovative research methods

  • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, which includes mental health support

  • Potential opportunities to work extra days by mutual agreement; this may include due diligence reporting or research on other international peace and security or international development topics.

How to apply:
To apply for this role, please complete the following form.

The form asks you to share details about yourself, your educational background, and relevant skills and experience. Please note that we will recognise if an application has been written by AI, so we encourage you to use your own words when answering the questions. 

The application form closes on 6 September 2024. 

Recruitment at Ridgeway

Ridgeway Information values diversity. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, ages and experiences, and we highly encourage applications from people of colour, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. If you require reasonable accommodation to fill in this application, interviewing, or any other participation in this process, please email applications@ridgeway-information.com including ‘Accessibility help’ in your email title.

In line with our commitments to Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) more broadly, all applications will be considered blind to gender, race/ethnicity, and educational institutions. You are not required to report this information.

Outcomes and career development

This is a very successful programme and brings all-round benefits to participants, clients and Ridgeway as a whole. Assistant Researchers gain experience of working on analysis and research projects with real-world impacts.

Assistant Researchers get valuable opportunities to further expand and showcase their research and analysis skills, and see how these can be applied in professional settings. The programme is an extremely positive experience that builds confidence and often opens up new career ideas and opportunities.

Previous Assistant Researchers have transitioned to full-time research roles at Ridgeway. Others have gone on to work for the US State Department, the US Department of Defense, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the UK Treasury, UN agencies, the charity sector and British Aerospace.

We are extremely proud of our assistant researcher alumni and aim to stay in touch through a range of events and networking opportunities.

Check back to this page regularly or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates.