Graduate Research Assistant
Graduate Research Assistant

Graduate Research Assistant

Portsmouth +1 Internship 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support executive searches by researching industries and identifying top talent.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing executive search firm with a strong reputation in healthcare and education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, paid training, and fun team events.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values curiosity and ambition while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Strong academic background, excellent communication skills, and a proactive attitude are essential.
  • Other info: Receive hands-on mentorship and a clear career path to grow as an executive researcher.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

The Company

Our client is a fast-growing executive search firm focused on senior-level roles across private healthcare, social care, education, and life sciences. With a strong reputation and a team-first culture, they’re committed to delivering results for their clients while creating a work environment where ambition, curiosity, and collaboration thrive. The team has earned multiple industry awards for consistently placing top-tier talent in leadership positions. High-growth businesses, investors, and operators trust them to deliver leaders who can drive real impact.

The Job

This role suits a sharp, driven individual who enjoys research and working towards a process yet also a curious mind to think outside the box. In this role, you’ll play a key part in supporting high-stakes executive searches, providing detailed market intelligence, tracking top talent, and identifying the best-fit candidates for critical leadership roles.

What You’ll Do

  • Partner with senior consultants to research industries, companies, and candidate pools for ongoing assignments.
  • Build and maintain structured databases and talent pipelines for future searches.
  • Compile shortlists and prepare candidate profiles for consultant review.
  • Deliver clear, insightful updates on research progress through written and verbal reporting.
  • Connect directly with senior-level professionals using targeted headhunting strategies.
  • Manage candidate engagement throughout the process, from first contact to follow-up.
  • Keep your market knowledge sharp through regular reading, networking, and collaboration with experienced colleagues.

What You’ll Get

Full onboarding, hands-on mentorship, and a mapped-out career path to help you grow into a top-tier executive researcher. Expect to be challenged, supported, and developed at every stage. Perks include:

  • Competitive base salary + commission
  • Generous and growing holiday allowance
  • Paid industry training and certifications
  • Regular team socials and company events
  • Early Friday finishes

Candidate Requirements

This role is ideal for someone with strong academic foundations, excellent communication skills, and a drive to work on high-level talent projects. You’ll be comfortable speaking with executives, conducting detailed research, and contributing to a collaborative team.

Key traits we’re looking for:

  • Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to work
  • Reliable, deadline-focused, and proactive
  • Friendly, curious, and a natural collaborator
  • Confident communicator who can build rapport and trust
  • Self-starter who can work independently when needed

If you’re intellectually curious, ambitious, and ready to make a real contribution to a high-performing team, we’d love to hear from you.

Locations

Portsmouth Hampshire

Graduate Research Assistant employer: GradBay

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters ambition and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from comprehensive onboarding, hands-on mentorship, and a clear career progression path. Located in a vibrant area, the company also provides competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and regular team events, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

GradBay Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Research Assistant

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the private healthcare, social care, education, and life sciences sectors. Understanding the nuances of these industries will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals already working in executive search or related fields. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into what makes a successful Graduate Research Assistant.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills, especially when it comes to engaging with senior-level professionals. Role-play scenarios where you might need to present research findings or discuss candidate profiles to build your confidence.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest trends and news in the industries relevant to the role. This will not only enhance your market knowledge but also provide you with talking points during interviews, showcasing your proactive approach.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Research Assistant

Research Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Data Management
Market Intelligence
Networking Skills
Headhunting Strategies
Report Writing
Collaboration
Time Management
Proactive Approach
Analytical Thinking
Interpersonal Skills
Self-Motivation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Graduate Research Assistant role. Emphasise your research abilities, communication skills, and any previous experience in executive search or related fields.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific aspects of the job description that resonate with you, such as your curiosity and structured approach to research.

Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly demonstrate your attention to detail, ability to work under deadlines, and proactive nature. Use examples from your academic or professional background to illustrate these traits.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at GradBay

✨Research the Company

Before the interview, take some time to understand the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.

✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting relevant experiences that demonstrate your fit for the role.

✨Showcase Your Curiosity

Since the role requires a curious mind, be prepared to discuss how you approach research and learning. Share examples of how you've gone above and beyond to gather information or solve a problem creatively.

✨Engage with Your Interviewers

Make sure to ask insightful questions during the interview. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Consider asking about their team dynamics or how they support professional development.

Graduate Research Assistant
GradBay
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  • Graduate Research Assistant

    Portsmouth +1
    Internship
    28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-06

  • G

    GradBay

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