Talent Research Associate

Talent Research Associate

Location: New York, NY

Workplace: Onsite

Job Type: Contract with potential for conversion

Compensation: $28–$33 per hour

A leading global financial services firm is seeking a highly analytical and technically minded Talent Research Associate to support a newly developing internal research and data function.

This is not a traditional candidate-facing sourcing position. The Talent Research Associate will focus on internal database research, large-scale profile analysis, talent-market intelligence, and data-driven projects that support the firm’s recruiting efforts.

The ideal candidate enjoys working with large amounts of information, identifying patterns, conducting detailed research, and translating findings into clear, actionable insights.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research using internal applicant tracking systems, LinkedIn Talent Insights, and other data sources
• Identify, review, and organize prospective candidate profiles based on defined criteria
• Analyze large candidate populations and perform detailed offline analysis
• Support talent-mapping, market research, and competitive intelligence projects
• Develop data-informed insights related to candidate populations, companies, industries, and talent markets
• Maintain accurate and well-organized research documentation, datasets, and reporting
• Partner with internal recruiting and research stakeholders to support ongoing talent initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, automate repetitive processes, and increase efficiency
• Independently manage high-volume, research-focused assignments
• Assist with building and refining processes for a newly developing function

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; candidates graduating in Spring 2026 may be considered
• Approximately 0–3 years of professional, internship, or academic experience
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills
• Comfort working with large datasets and conducting detailed analysis
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy
• Ability to work independently and manage project-based assignments
• Highly organized, process-oriented, and comfortable navigating databases and systems
• Ability to remain focused while completing repetitive or high-volume work
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to summarize findings clearly

Preferred Backgrounds

Relevant experience may include:

• Data analysis
• Business analysis
• Research or competitive intelligence
• Talent intelligence
• People analytics
• Research assistant positions
• Data-heavy operations or administrative roles
• Academic research involving large datasets
• Market mapping or database research

A recruiting background is not required. This opportunity is best suited for candidates who are more interested in data, research, systems, and analysis than candidate outreach, interviewing, or traditional recruiting coordination.

Additional Preferred Experience

• Experience using AI tools to support research, analysis, or workflow efficiency
• Exposure to building AI agents or identifying opportunities for automation
• Familiarity with LinkedIn Talent Insights, LinkedIn Recruiter, an applicant tracking system, or similar research platforms
• Experience reviewing and categorizing large volumes of profiles or records
• Technical coursework or exposure to coding is helpful but not required

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be:

• Highly detail-oriented and process-driven
• Curious and energized by working with large amounts of data
• Comfortable working independently with limited day-to-day interaction
• Patient and focused when completing research-heavy assignments
• Proactive in identifying inefficiencies and recommending improvements
• Interested in helping shape a new process or function
• Comfortable balancing accuracy, volume, and deadlines