Assistant Researcher programme 2025 - 2026

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.

About the role

Ridgeway is looking for seven Assistant Researchers to join our nuclear non-proliferation research team, which produces reports on the latest nuclear-relevant developments across the Middle East and East Asia regions.

As an Assistant Researcher, you will work three days per calendar month, remotely or in our London office, for an initial six months until 31st March 2026. There is a possibility that the role will be extended by an additional six months until October 2026; this will be confirmed during autumn 2025. You ideally will be based in London for the duration of the programme.

About you

You will have/be:

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

  • Enrolled in an Undergraduate (final year only) OR postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) degree for the 2025-26 academic year

  • Strong research and analysis skills

  • Strong written communication skills

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

  • The ability to work independently with minimal supervision

You might have:

  • Language skills

  • 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

You will gain:

  • London Living Wage pay

  • Training in open-source and innovative research methods

  • Access to our free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme, including 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 this form. 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 form asks you to share details about yourself, your educational background, and relevant skills and experience. Details about how your data will be stored and used are included on the form.

If you are shortlisted for interview, you may be asked to expand on information included on your application form.

The application form closes on 17 August 2025.

Recruitment timeline

  • Application form closes: 17 August 2025

  • Interviews: Early September 2025

  • Role start date: Mid-October 2025

  • Role end date: 31st March 2026 (with possibility of extension until October 2026)

Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ridgeway Information values diversity. We particularly welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, ages, and experiences, and we highly encourage applications from people in racialised communities and/or of migrant background, people living with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with personal experience of the care system.

If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please email applications@ridgeway-information.com, including “Accessibility support” 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, and the charity sector.

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.