Researcher, biological weapons or biological and chemical weapons, WMD

SIPRI’s Armament and Disarmament Cluster is hiring a Researcher, with specific focus on biological weapons or biological and chemical weapons, to join the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programme.

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 Researcher 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. It considers their implications for an increasingly complex security landscape and seeks to identify approaches to address the risks and challenges WMD pose. To this end, the Programme examines the political, institutional, legal and technical aspects of WMD governance, focusing on international efforts at arms control and disarmament, materials security and non-proliferation, and risk reduction.  Recent research in chemical and biological weapons at SIPRI focuses on strengthening global norms against chemical weapon use, risks at the convergence of biology and technology, and implications of dual-use research in the life sciences.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Researcher in the WMD Programme will, as directed by the Director of the WMD Programme: 


• Conduct high-quality research on topics related to biological weapons or biological and chemical weapons that are part of the programme’s research agenda.
• Contribute to the development of new and ongoing projects, in particular at the intersection of bio/chem and technological developments;
• Communicate research findings through research papers, reports, policy briefs, conferences, and other outlets;
• Fundraise or contribute to funding proposals for the WMD Programme and the Armament and Disarmament cluster;
• Mentor junior staff (and, if applicable, manage research assistants and interns);
• Contribute to a pleasant and stimulating intellectual and work environment; and
• Collaborate with others, including on research, fundraising and outreach.

Requirements

The Researcher should have a solid research background in biological weapons or biological and chemical weapons, preferably from a non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament perspective.


• A university degree or degrees, in disciplines and topics relevant to this post;
• A minimum of one year of participation in research and writing;
• A record of publications that is commensurate with the length of time worked in research;
• Strong analytical, methodological, writing and communication skills;
• Mixed methods research skills, with solid experience in quantitative research is an advantage;
• Proven ability to work and deliver in teams;
• 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.

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;
• Two single-authored writing samples in English (articles, book chapters or substantial pieces of writing up to 10 000 words).

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 12 April 2024.

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

For enquiries regarding the position, please contact: Dr Wilfred Wan, Senior Researcher and Director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Programme.

The trade union contacts at SIPRI are Emma Zetterström for ST and Annika Salisbury for Saco-S