Research Assistant, Armament and Disarmament at SIPRI 2026 in Sweden | International Peace and Security Research Job Opportunity

<p>The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is inviting applications for the position of <strong data-start="1482" data-end="1536">Research Assistant within Armament and Disarmament</strong> to support its internationally recognized research programmes on military expenditure, arms production, arms trade controls, disarmament, and artificial intelligence governance.</p> <p data-start="1716" data-end="2082">This full-time research position offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers and professionals interested in global security, peace studies, defence policy, international relations, and emerging security technologies to contribute to evidence-based research that informs policymakers, academics, international organizations, and the global public.</p> <p data-start="2084" data-end="2225">The successful candidate will join SIPRI’s Armament and Disarmament cluster and contribute to one or more of three major research programmes:</p> <ul data-start="2227" data-end="2367"> <li data-section-id="umwq9j" data-start="2227" data-end="2277">Military Expenditure and Arms Production (MILAP)</li> <li data-section-id="1b5i3zs" data-start="2278" data-end="2318">Dual-use and Arms Trade Control (DUAT)</li> <li data-section-id="ndrb6u" data-start="2319" data-end="2367">Governance of Artificial Intelligence (GOV-AI)</li> </ul> <p data-start="2369" data-end="2497">The position is based in <strong data-start="2394" data-end="2415">Stockholm, Sweden</strong>, with an expected starting date in <strong data-start="2451" data-end="2496">Q4 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter</strong>.</p> <p data-start="2499" data-end="2581">The initial contract duration is <strong data-start="2532" data-end="2545">two years</strong>, with the possibility of extension.</p> <p data-start="2583" data-end="2636"><strong data-start="2583" data-end="2636">Application deadline: 26 July 2026 at 23:59 CEST.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="ct3qfg" data-start="2643" data-end="2711">About the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)</h1> <p data-start="2713" data-end="2916">Established in 1966, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) is an independent international research institute dedicated to studying security, conflict, peace, and global stability.</p> <p data-start="2918" data-end="3066">SIPRI conducts research and provides reliable data, analysis, and policy recommendations based on publicly available information. Its work supports:</p> <ul data-start="3068" data-end="3191"> <li data-section-id="hmpduz" data-start="3068" data-end="3082">Policymakers</li> <li data-section-id="22jsxh" data-start="3083" data-end="3096">Researchers</li> <li data-section-id="18xa23e" data-start="3097" data-end="3126">International organizations</li> <li data-section-id="1x5exuc" data-start="3127" data-end="3140">Journalists</li> <li data-section-id="n8p90n" data-start="3141" data-end="3170">Civil society organizations</li> <li data-section-id="dlk9nq" data-start="3171" data-end="3191">The general public</li> </ul> <p data-start="3193" data-end="3346">SIPRI is internationally recognized for its objective research, transparency, and commitment to improving understanding of security challenges worldwide.</p> <p data-start="3348" data-end="3412">The institute’s research on armament and disarmament focuses on:</p> <ul data-start="3414" data-end="3717"> <li data-section-id="1p6i4d0" data-start="3414" data-end="3456">The development of military technologies</li> <li data-section-id="1lfqovh" data-start="3457" data-end="3481">Global arms production</li> <li data-section-id="1dpociv" data-start="3482" data-end="3512">International arms transfers</li> <li data-section-id="1iuq3m8" data-start="3513" data-end="3542">Military expenditure trends</li> <li data-section-id="7xrlfb" data-start="3543" data-end="3565">Conventional weapons</li> <li data-section-id="12ov2nn" data-start="3566" data-end="3609">Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons</li> <li data-section-id="1di1jul" data-start="3610" data-end="3634">Export control systems</li> <li data-section-id="14xziom" data-start="3635" data-end="3717">Emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and quantum technologies</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="6fwevg" data-start="3724" data-end="3764">Research Areas Covered by the Position</h1> <p data-start="3766" data-end="3873">The selected Research Assistant will support activities across SIPRI’s Armament and Disarmament programmes.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1kzghl" data-start="3875" data-end="3939">1. Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme (MILAP)</h2> <p data-start="3941" data-end="4057">SIPRI’s Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme is one of its oldest and most established research areas.</p> <p data-start="4059" data-end="4119">The programme manages important global databases, including:</p> <ul data-start="4121" data-end="4189"> <li data-section-id="15ztuxq" data-start="4121" data-end="4158">SIPRI Military Expenditure Database</li> <li data-section-id="1b5il3f" data-start="4159" data-end="4189">SIPRI Arms Industry Database</li> </ul> <p data-start="4191" data-end="4353">These databases provide transparent and independently verifiable information covering military spending and arms production across almost every country worldwide.</p> <h3 data-section-id="pqgm63" data-start="4355" data-end="4396">Responsibilities under MILAP include:</h3> <ul data-start="4398" data-end="5004"> <li data-section-id="1u8533w" data-start="4398" data-end="4517">Supporting research activities related to: <ul> <li data-section-id="c5slca" data-start="4445" data-end="4467">Military expenditure</li> <li data-section-id="17dt8ke" data-start="4470" data-end="4490">Defence industries</li> <li data-section-id="s7zz98" data-start="4493" data-end="4517">Arms production trends</li> </ul> </li> <li data-section-id="15l1dtu" data-start="4518" data-end="4550">Collecting and analyzing data.</li> <li data-section-id="tr9keb" data-start="4551" data-end="4596">Drafting research reports and publications.</li> <li data-section-id="1bnvhk4" data-start="4597" data-end="4655">Identifying new information sources and validating data.</li> <li data-section-id="9nlq4m" data-start="4656" data-end="4760">Supporting: <ul> <li data-section-id="9vdhbw" data-start="4672" data-end="4699">SIPRI Yearbook production</li> <li data-section-id="5jjvn3" data-start="4702" data-end="4720">Database updates</li> <li data-section-id="13gjs07" data-start="4723" data-end="4760">Externally funded research projects</li> </ul> </li> <li data-section-id="k440sj" data-start="4761" data-end="4804">Reviewing and fact-checking publications.</li> <li data-section-id="r27w3" data-start="4805" data-end="4849">Proofreading reports and research outputs.</li> <li data-section-id="1b6jd4q" data-start="4850" data-end="4914">Supporting communication with media and external stakeholders.</li> <li data-section-id="1huzkin" data-start="4915" data-end="5004">Assisting with: <ul> <li data-section-id="1w5wqem" data-start="4935" data-end="4952">Research events</li> <li data-section-id="1r790j7" data-start="4955" data-end="4979">Fundraising activities</li> <li data-section-id="1xwxjea" data-start="4982" data-end="5004">Project coordination</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="1c76xee" data-start="5011" data-end="5064">2. Dual-use and Arms Trade Control Programme (DUAT)</h1> <p data-start="5066" data-end="5210">The DUAT Programme focuses on strengthening knowledge and international cooperation related to arms trade regulations and dual-use technologies.</p> <p data-start="5212" data-end="5303">The programme examines how countries and international organizations develop and implement:</p> <ul data-start="5305" data-end="5411"> <li data-section-id="1di1jul" data-start="5305" data-end="5329">Export control systems</li> <li data-section-id="1ua1bd0" data-start="5330" data-end="5354">Arms trade regulations</li> <li data-section-id="1ldekn" data-start="5355" data-end="5381">International agreements</li> <li data-section-id="wvw11f" data-start="5382" data-end="5411">Regional security standards</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="uy4hie" data-start="5413" data-end="5453">Responsibilities under DUAT include:</h3> <ul data-start="5455" data-end="5849"> <li data-section-id="1vh727x" data-start="5455" data-end="5537">Conducting research on international and regional arms trade control frameworks.</li> <li data-section-id="1d92pjs" data-start="5538" data-end="5606">Monitoring trends in export control agreements and implementation.</li> <li data-section-id="r7v3en" data-start="5607" data-end="5642">Supporting research publications.</li> <li data-section-id="1akm91r" data-start="5643" data-end="5687">Contributing to SIPRI Yearbook activities.</li> <li data-section-id="2sy7q9" data-start="5688" data-end="5727">Assisting with project dissemination.</li> <li data-section-id="1pf89os" data-start="5728" data-end="5795">Supporting seminars, workshops, and awareness-raising activities.</li> <li data-section-id="158c8cb" data-start="5796" data-end="5849">Helping organize events and fundraising activities.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="13dzyq1" data-start="5856" data-end="5917">3. Governance of Artificial Intelligence Programme (GOV-AI)</h1> <p data-start="5919" data-end="6053">The Governance of AI Programme explores the relationship between artificial intelligence, security, conflict, and international peace.</p> <p data-start="6055" data-end="6078">The programme examines:</p> <ul data-start="6080" data-end="6317"> <li data-section-id="12oh1w3" data-start="6080" data-end="6124">How AI technologies may transform warfare.</li> <li data-section-id="jwv733" data-start="6125" data-end="6168">Risks associated with autonomous weapons.</li> <li data-section-id="1hi97tl" data-start="6169" data-end="6212">AI applications in military environments.</li> <li data-section-id="1f5f7no" data-start="6213" data-end="6263">Governance frameworks for emerging technologies.</li> <li data-section-id="z6x5am" data-start="6264" data-end="6317">International approaches to AI safety and security.</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="1vx4me1" data-start="6319" data-end="6361">Responsibilities under GOV-AI include:</h3> <ul data-start="6363" data-end="6746"> <li data-section-id="1451dkm" data-start="6363" data-end="6419">Conducting research on AI-related security challenges.</li> <li data-section-id="1bopuxq" data-start="6420" data-end="6459">Collecting and analyzing information.</li> <li data-section-id="1x3x8ew" data-start="6460" data-end="6503">Managing and organizing research sources.</li> <li data-section-id="urvwjj" data-start="6504" data-end="6544">Supporting externally funded projects.</li> <li data-section-id="19futn0" data-start="6545" data-end="6571">Preparing press reviews.</li> <li data-section-id="1gfw187" data-start="6572" data-end="6632">Contributing to research publications and project outputs.</li> <li data-section-id="czc4cd" data-start="6633" data-end="6671">Supporting dissemination activities.</li> <li data-section-id="r5rydi" data-start="6672" data-end="6746">Helping organize workshops, dialogues, and capacity-building activities.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="1n7xry2" data-start="6753" data-end="6802">Main Responsibilities of the Research Assistant</h1> <p data-start="6804" data-end="6879">Under the supervision of a Programme Director, the Research Assistant will:</p> <ul data-start="6881" data-end="7310"> <li data-section-id="qxm5o1" data-start="6881" data-end="6935">Support implementation of SIPRI research activities.</li> <li data-section-id="uzq7a" data-start="6936" data-end="6984">Conduct qualitative and quantitative research.</li> <li data-section-id="1hwoo54" data-start="6985" data-end="7030">Collect, analyze, and organize information.</li> <li data-section-id="q5s9u8" data-start="7031" data-end="7072">Prepare research materials and reports.</li> <li data-section-id="2xxptq" data-start="7073" data-end="7121">Contribute to publications and policy outputs.</li> <li data-section-id="p59h1o" data-start="7122" data-end="7164">Support international research projects.</li> <li data-section-id="17n8lpl" data-start="7165" data-end="7226">Participate in workshops, seminars, and expert discussions.</li> <li data-section-id="iy8cvf" data-start="7227" data-end="7310">Assist with administrative and coordination tasks related to research activities.</li> </ul> <p data-start="7312" data-end="7424">The position requires flexibility, professionalism, independence, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="19qe4g4" data-start="7431" data-end="7467">Required Qualifications and Skills</h1> <p data-start="7469" data-end="7497">Applicants must demonstrate:</p> <h2 data-section-id="8jl1du" data-start="7499" data-end="7525">Academic Qualifications</h2> <p data-start="7527" data-end="7593">A university degree or degrees in relevant disciplines, including:</p> <ul data-start="7595" data-end="7733"> <li data-section-id="eqbpbp" data-start="7595" data-end="7614">Political Science</li> <li data-section-id="1q4f4qv" data-start="7615" data-end="7640">International Relations</li> <li data-section-id="c1jzmc" data-start="7641" data-end="7652">Economics</li> <li data-section-id="1610x7b" data-start="7653" data-end="7671">Security Studies</li> <li data-section-id="eyigff" data-start="7672" data-end="7733">Related fields relevant to international peace and security</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="mo7kmm" data-start="7735" data-end="7756">Research Knowledge</h2> <p data-start="7758" data-end="7781">Candidates should have:</p> <ul data-start="7783" data-end="8031"> <li data-section-id="sfcjq1" data-start="7783" data-end="7893">Strong interest in: <ul> <li data-section-id="rsrjr6" data-start="7807" data-end="7821">Arms control</li> <li data-section-id="1q97q63" data-start="7824" data-end="7837">Disarmament</li> <li data-section-id="mtfxxq" data-start="7840" data-end="7859">Non-proliferation</li> <li data-section-id="1wii5ta" data-start="7862" data-end="7893">International security issues</li> </ul> </li> <li data-section-id="tvi25d" data-start="7894" data-end="7939">Experience conducting open-source research.</li> <li data-section-id="am69yv" data-start="7940" data-end="7981">Ability to analyze complex information.</li> <li data-section-id="1ewlkgp" data-start="7982" data-end="8031">Attention to detail and strong research skills.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="owdooc" data-start="8033" data-end="8055">Professional Skills</h2> <p data-start="8057" data-end="8091">Successful candidates should have:</p> <ul data-start="8093" data-end="8309"> <li data-section-id="sprwh9" data-start="8093" data-end="8125">Ability to work independently.</li> <li data-section-id="1qeh19d" data-start="8126" data-end="8157">Strong organizational skills.</li> <li data-section-id="6qecuh" data-start="8158" data-end="8196">Effective time management abilities.</li> <li data-section-id="1hgl22j" data-start="8197" data-end="8260">Ability to work collaboratively within an international team.</li> <li data-section-id="1z0wk5c" data-start="8261" data-end="8309">Strong communication and interpersonal skills.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="1alkx2z" data-start="8311" data-end="8335">Language Requirements</h2> <p data-start="8337" data-end="8358">Applicants must have:</p> <ul data-start="8360" data-end="8406"> <li data-section-id="q4xlrm" data-start="8360" data-end="8406">Excellent written and spoken English skills.</li> </ul> <p data-start="8408" data-end="8457">Additional languages are considered an advantage.</p> <p data-start="8459" data-end="8506">Swedish language knowledge is <strong data-start="8489" data-end="8505">not required</strong>.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1gvs8tw" data-start="8508" data-end="8527">Technical Skills</h2> <p data-start="8529" data-end="8552">Applicants should have:</p> <ul data-start="8554" data-end="8648"> <li data-section-id="m9a1v2" data-start="8554" data-end="8648">Very good knowledge of Microsoft Office tools: <ul> <li data-section-id="1j4gdwm" data-start="8605" data-end="8611">Word</li> <li data-section-id="171ry3j" data-start="8614" data-end="8621">Excel</li> <li data-section-id="bdjqd7" data-start="8624" data-end="8636">PowerPoint</li> <li data-section-id="bdmjl" data-start="8639" data-end="8648">Outlook</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p data-start="8650" data-end="8741">Candidates should also be willing and able to quickly learn new research and digital tools.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="1pnun6h" data-start="8748" data-end="8779">Contract Details and Benefits</h1> <p data-start="8781" data-end="8814">Selected candidates will receive:</p> <ul data-start="8816" data-end="9284"> <li data-section-id="5axywe" data-start="8816" data-end="8850">A full-time employment contract.</li> <li data-section-id="19tn3mh" data-start="8851" data-end="8882">Initial two-year appointment.</li> <li data-section-id="94ay35" data-start="8883" data-end="8919">Possibility of contract extension.</li> <li data-section-id="ul8u49" data-start="8920" data-end="8957">Work location in Stockholm, Sweden.</li> <li data-section-id="7x5oh3" data-start="8958" data-end="9026">Support with work permit and migration processes where applicable.</li> <li data-section-id="17wsdzm" data-start="9027" data-end="9097">Economy-class travel support to Stockholm for successful candidates.</li> <li data-section-id="15q1mpc" data-start="9098" data-end="9187">Opportunity to work within a globally recognized peace and security research institute.</li> <li data-section-id="1m4zzxa" data-start="9188" data-end="9284">Exposure to international experts, researchers, policymakers, and global security discussions.</li> </ul> <p data-start="9286" data-end="9298">Please note:</p> <ul data-start="9300" data-end="9443"> <li data-section-id="gmzidb" data-start="9300" data-end="9349">Moving and relocation expenses are not covered.</li> <li data-section-id="1go4qlu" data-start="9350" data-end="9443">Salary will be determined individually based on qualifications and professional experience.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="8vko7r" data-start="9450" data-end="9471">Application Process</h1> <p data-start="9473" data-end="9531">Applicants must submit the following documents in English:</p> <h2 data-section-id="tqjze1" data-start="9533" data-end="9551">1. Cover Letter</h2> <p data-start="9553" data-end="9588">A one-page cover letter explaining:</p> <ul data-start="9590" data-end="9707"> <li data-section-id="1p5kim5" data-start="9590" data-end="9616">Motivation for applying.</li> <li data-section-id="1onfht3" data-start="9617" data-end="9644">Interest in the position.</li> <li data-section-id="plcaji" data-start="9645" data-end="9707">Preferred programme: <ul> <li data-section-id="16vb60h" data-start="9670" data-end="9677">MILAP</li> <li data-section-id="1j41ljg" data-start="9680" data-end="9686">DUAT</li> <li data-section-id="1vrwwnb" data-start="9689" data-end="9707">Governance of AI</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="8xefy7" data-start="9709" data-end="9736">2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)</h2> <p data-start="9738" data-end="9760">The CV should include:</p> <ul data-start="9762" data-end="9882"> <li data-section-id="ilcy0x" data-start="9762" data-end="9788">Academic qualifications.</li> <li data-section-id="tmoob7" data-start="9789" data-end="9815">Professional experience.</li> <li data-section-id="e27609" data-start="9816" data-end="9831">Publications.</li> <li data-section-id="1uo2f12" data-start="9832" data-end="9850">Language skills.</li> <li data-section-id="1ys4sr6" data-start="9851" data-end="9882">Relevant research experience.</li> </ul> <p data-start="9884" data-end="9972">References will be requested from shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.</p> <p data-start="9974" data-end="10118">Applications must be submitted through the official SIPRI recruitment platform. Applications sent through other channels will not be considered.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="1bqljif" data-start="10125" data-end="10142">Important Dates</h1> <ul data-start="10144" data-end="10336"> <li data-section-id="tzaagg" data-start="10144" data-end="10198"><strong data-start="10146" data-end="10171">Application deadline:</strong> 26 July 2026, 23:59 CEST</li> <li data-section-id="xnkx04" data-start="10199" data-end="10264"><strong data-start="10201" data-end="10225">Expected interviews:</strong> End of August / Early September 2026</li> <li data-section-id="nl6qa4" data-start="10265" data-end="10336"><strong data-start="10267" data-end="10294">Expected starting date:</strong> Q4 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="6xu67n" data-start="10343" data-end="10398">Why Apply for This SIPRI Research Assistant Position?</h1> <p data-start="10400" data-end="10453">This opportunity is ideal for candidates who want to:</p> <ul data-start="10455" data-end="10812"> <li data-section-id="ley9co" data-start="10455" data-end="10517">Build a career in international peace and security research.</li> <li data-section-id="1mbbvfu" data-start="10518" data-end="10580">Gain experience with globally recognized research databases.</li> <li data-section-id="gu8avl" data-start="10581" data-end="10625">Work on issues affecting global stability.</li> <li data-section-id="ux13u2" data-start="10626" data-end="10676">Contribute to evidence-based policy discussions.</li> <li data-section-id="1fa5fr3" data-start="10677" data-end="10758">Develop expertise in arms control, military affairs, and emerging technologies.</li> <li data-section-id="cqbxat" data-start="10759" data-end="10812">Collaborate with researchers from around the world.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h1 data-section-id="plflsp" data-start="10819" data-end="10833">How to Apply</h1> <p data-start="10835" data-end="10932">Interested candidates can submit their application through the official SIPRI recruitment portal:</p> <p data-start="10934" data-end="11089"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I021/1690/apply?site=7&amp;lang=UK&amp;validator=9c16162aeec1b1c78db51d0c3e4163a1&amp;job_id=146" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apply here</strong></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Learn More</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>For more information about this opportunity,</strong> <a href="https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I021/1690/job?site=7&amp;lang=UK&amp;validator=9c16162aeec1b1c78db51d0c3e4163a1&amp;job_id=146" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Click here</strong></a></li> <li><strong>More global Job opportunities for youth, </strong>visit the OFY website: <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=job" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Click here</strong></a></li> </ul> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/07/08/sipri-research-assistant-job-opportunity-in-sweden-2026-work-in-global-security-wmd-research/">Research Assistant, Armament and Disarmament at SIPRI 2026 in Sweden | International Peace and Security Research Job Opportunity</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>