Research Associate

The Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) is inviting applications for the position of a Research Associate to support the Center’s work on the next generation outreach and nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament research, dialogue and capacity-building programmes.

The VCDNP is an international non-governmental organisation based in Vienna, Austria. Its dynamic and international team actively engages with international organisations, national governments and civil society, and focuses on nuclear policy and governance in arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation, nuclear security, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and their intersection with emerging technologies and space security.

Job Description

The Research Associate will support ongoing research and capacity-building programmes, coordinate next generation engagement and outreach activities, and contribute to other programmes and projects. The position reports to Executive Director.

The position is assigned for one year with the possibility of extension, based on performance. The start date is negotiable, with a preference for the successful candidate starting as soon as possible.

The position includes attractive opportunities for international travel.

The salary range for this position is between €46,000 and €53,000, depending on experience. VCDNP employees enjoy full access to social security benefits and the Austrian public healthcare system, as well as income tax exemption in Austria.

Where applicable, the VCDNP will provide reimbursement of eligible expenses for relocating to Vienna, such as airfare and short-term temporary accommodation, of up to €2,000 for candidates within Europe and up to €3,000 for candidates outside of Europe.

Responsibilities

The Research Associate will:

• Contribute to the Center’s next generation outreach and engagement programmes;
• Coordinate and assist in designing, organising, and running next generation workshops, seminars, outreach and mentorship activities and public events;
• Support the planning and implementation of the VCDNP’s capacity-building activities;
• Contribute to the Center’s research papers, reports, and briefs and conduct individual research on nuclear policy and governance;
• Manage systematic tracking of project impacts;
• Reflect events and workshops in succinct online reports;
• Format and design engaging layouts for announcements and publications;
• Create social media content that resonates with target audiences;
• Contribute to other VCDNP activities and support Center-wide programmes;
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Graduate degree in international relations or another field of study applicable to the VCDNP’s work;
• Strong writing skills and an excellent command of the English language;
• Excellent interpersonal communication and social skills;
• Experience in producing research outputs;
• Experience in organising public events and workshops;
• Ability to communicate professionally with officials and high-profile stakeholders;
• Strong time management skills and ability to deliver against deadlines;
• Close attention to detail.

Preferred

• Demonstrated interest in or experience with nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation issues;
• Experience in multilateral diplomacy or international organisations;
• Experience in a think tank or research institute environment;
• Experience with graphic design tools (Canva, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, or similar) and producing content for publications and/or corporate social media accounts.

Requirements

Ability to obtain a visa for Austria is required. VCDNP employees are exempt from the requirement to obtain a work permit.

The position requires light to moderate physical effort and the ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should apply via the application form below and submit the following materials:

• CV (max. two pages);
• Motivational statement (max. 400 words);
• Transcript of academic records;
• Names and contact details of two references;
• A list of publications, such as web or journal articles, with corresponding links;
• A writing sample in English (max. five pages).

The deadline to apply is 10 October 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Select candidates will be invited to complete a written assignment and a virtual interview.

Application Form