Research Associate

Job Description

About the Role

Every insight NIQ delivers starts with reliable research, quality data, and operational excellence.

As an ARC Research Associate, you'll play a key role in supporting Consumer & Market Research teams across different global regions. Working within NIQ's Analytics & Research Center (ARC), you'll support innovation and internal research projects by gathering, validating, formatting, and maintaining research data used in reports, project execution, and client deliverables.

While this role is not client-facing, your work will directly contribute to research studies and business recommendations delivered to some of the world's most recognized brands. You'll support teams throughout various stages of the research lifecycle, including concept development, screening, validation, and re-validation activities that ensure research outputs are accurate and actionable.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to work on live projects that address real-world consumer and business challenges while gaining hands-on exposure to how market research is conducted, analyzed, and translated into meaningful insights.

If you're naturally curious, detail-oriented, eager to learn, and enjoy working in a collaborative environment, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Support project teams across multiple global regions.
• Gather data from different internal and external sources and ensure its accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Validate, review, and format research data for use in reports, presentations, and project deliverables.
• Support innovation and internal research studies throughout various stages of the research process.
• Prepare and maintain project deliverables using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Work closely with commercial and research teams in a collaborative manner to support assigned tasks and databases.
• Conduct concept screening, validation, and re-validation activities in accordance with project requirements.
• Support report preparation and delivery processes to ensure projects are completed accurately and on time.
• Adhere to performance KPIs related to data accuracy, quality, and timely delivery.
• Operate effectively in a hybrid, multicultural, and globally connected work environment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by maintaining process discipline and quality standards across research operations.

Qualifications

Skills for Success

We're looking for curious, adaptable people who are excited about learning and contributing to meaningful research projects.

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Intellectual curiosity and persistence in finding answers to business questions.
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills and processes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Professional behaviour, accountability, and a disciplined approach to work.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of research-driven decision making.
• Ability to work effectively under deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Confidence working with Excel and PowerPoint to prepare project outputs and presentations.
• Effective communication skills and fluency in English.

Nice to Have

• Knowledge of New Product Development (NPD) or Innovation Research.
• Understanding of market research methodologies and processes.
• Exposure to data validation, reporting, or research operations activities.
• Experience working with large datasets and research databases.
• Interest in consumer insights and business research.

Future Skills You'll Develop

As part of ARC, you'll have opportunities to develop capabilities that are increasingly valuable across the market research and analytics industry, including:

• Understanding of the end-to-end market research lifecycle.
• Innovation and product development research methodologies.
• Research quality assurance and data validation techniques.
• Advanced reporting and presentation skills.
• Data-driven problem solving and analytical thinking.
• Cross-functional collaboration within a global organization.
• Project management and operational excellence.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of how research drives business decisions.
• Exposure to real-world consumer and market challenges through live research projects.

What You'll Get

• Structured onboarding and comprehensive training from day one.
• Ongoing mentoring and support from experienced colleagues.
• Exposure to live market research and innovation-focused projects.
• Opportunities to work with global teams across multiple markets.
• Continuous learning and development to build future-ready skills.
• Experience contributing to projects that solve real-world consumer and business challenges.
• Career mobility across ARC, Operations, Research, and the wider NIQ organization.
• A collaborative team culture within one of the world's leading consumer intelligence companies.

Additional Information

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/info/niqs-ai-safety-policies/

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion