Research Analyst Job Description Template

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Finding a skilled research analyst begins with an engaging job description. If your post is concise and straightforward, you will attract great candidates for the job. It is essential to give them an idea of your company culture and bulleted lists of the objectives and qualifications for the research analyst roles and responsibilities. The most compelling job descriptions are clear and detailed, keeping readers engaged and helping them envision what it would be like to work at your firm. This guide will assist you in crafting a job description that meets your organisation's needs and attracts top talent.

What does a research analyst do?

Research analysts gather, analyse and interpret data to help businesses make informed organisational decisions. They are responsible for conducting thorough research, evaluating market trends and presenting findings that support business objectives.

Their ability to interpret complex data and present it in an understandable way helps provide actionable insights that inform strategic decisions, market positioning and competitive analysis.

The primary role of research analysts involves collecting data from various sources to study market trends, customer behaviour and industry developments. They then analyse it using statistical tools and create detailed reports for quantitative and qualitative research. Additionally, research analysts collaborate with different departments (like marketing, finance, and product) to provide relevant and appropriate data-driven recommendations for business growth.

While they work in the field of data, research analysts differ from data analysts. The former spends more time conducting various types of research and collecting data, and the latter focuses mainly on data cleaning, interpretation and analysis.

Depending on the business requirements, research analysts can further specialise as market research analysts, financial research analysts, equity research analysts, etc.

Job Description: Template

We are seeking an experienced research analyst to join our team at [Company X].

As a research analyst, your objective will be to provide data-driven insights that support our business decisions, strategies and operations. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, analytical professional with a keen interest in data.

We invite qualified individuals with a strong background in research and data analysis to apply for this role. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional growth and comprehensive employee benefits.

Objectives of the role

Conducting thorough research and SWOT analysis on industry trends, market conditions, competitors and customer preferences.
Gathering data from various sources, including primary and secondary research, to support strategic initiatives.
Analysing data from quantitative research and qualitative research and identifying patterns, trends and insights to inform business decisions.
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support the development and execution of business strategies.
Preparing comprehensive reports, presentations and visualisations to communicate findings to stakeholders.
Providing actionable recommendations based on research findings to drive business growth and improvement.

Your tasks

Design and implement research methodologies, including surveys, interviews, focus groups and data analysis.
Collect and analyse data using statistical software and tools, ensuring accuracy, relevancy and reliability.
Manage and organise the collected data to ensure easy access and retrieval.
Interpret and present research findings in a clear and concise manner, tailored to the needs of different stakeholders.
Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics related to research projects.
Support the development of business plans, market entry strategies and product development initiatives.
Conduct competitive analysis to benchmark the company’s performance against industry peers and competitors.
Collaborate with marketing, product and sales teams to align research efforts with business objectives.
Correspond and coordinate with external research partners and agencies when necessary.
Stay updated on industry developments and emerging trends to ensure the company remains competitive and innovative.

Required skills and qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Statistics, Marketing or a related field.
Demonstrable experience as a Research Analyst or similar role, with 2-3 years in market research, data analysis, or business intelligence.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and generate insights.
Proficiency in statistical software and data analysis tools (SPSS, SAS, R, or Python).
Advanced Excel skills for analysis and data visualisation.
Ability to interpret complex data and present it in a comprehensible manner.
Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and effectively.
Solid organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
High level of attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and analysis.

Preferred skills and qualifications