Graduate Research Assistant
Graduate Research Assistant

Graduate Research Assistant

Portsmouth 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 allowance, and paid training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team 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.

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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 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 current trends and challenges within the sectors relevant to the role. This knowledge will allow you to contribute meaningfully during discussions and showcase your proactive approach to learning.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Research Assistant

Research Skills
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Data Management
Database Development
Market Intelligence Analysis
Headhunting Strategies
Report Writing
Networking Skills
Collaboration
Time Management
Proactive Problem Solving
Adaptability
Self-Motivation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant academic achievements and experiences that align with the role of a Graduate Research Assistant. Emphasise any research projects, teamwork, or communication skills that demonstrate your fit for the position.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for research and your understanding of the executive search industry. Mention specific examples of how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for supporting high-stakes executive searches.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on skills such as attention to detail, structured work approach, and proactive communication. Provide examples of how you've successfully used these skills in past experiences, whether in academic settings or previous jobs.

Showcase Your Curiosity: Demonstrate your intellectual curiosity by mentioning any relevant reading, networking, or collaboration experiences. This will show the company that you are eager to learn and grow within the role, which is essential for a Graduate Research Assistant.

How to prepare for a job interview at GradBay

✨Showcase Your Research Skills

Since the role involves extensive research, be prepared to discuss your previous research experiences. Highlight specific projects where you gathered and analysed data, and explain how your findings contributed to decision-making.

✨Demonstrate Communication Prowess

As a Graduate Research Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with senior professionals. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully built rapport in past interactions.

✨Emphasise Attention to Detail

This role requires a structured approach and strong attention to detail. During the interview, mention instances where your meticulous nature helped avoid errors or improved outcomes in your work or studies.

✨Exhibit Curiosity and Initiative

The company values curiosity and a proactive mindset. Prepare to discuss how you stay updated on industry trends and your strategies for continuous learning. Share examples of when your curiosity led to innovative solutions or insights.

Graduate Research Assistant
GradBay
Location: Portsmouth
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  • Graduate Research Assistant

    Portsmouth
    Internship
    28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.)
  • G

    GradBay

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