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 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.

Locations

Portsmouth Hampshire
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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 by engaging in mock interviews or discussions about market intelligence. Being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will be crucial when connecting with senior-level professionals.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on current trends and news in the sectors relevant to the role. This knowledge will not only enhance your research capabilities but also show your proactive approach during interviews.

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
Proactive Approach
Time Management
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 role of Graduate Research Assistant. 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 and explain how your background makes you a great fit for their team.

Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, provide examples of your research projects or experiences where you demonstrated strong analytical skills. Highlight any tools or methodologies you used to gather and analyse data.

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, which is crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at GradBay

✨Showcase Your Research Skills

Prepare to discuss your research methodologies and any relevant projects you've worked on. Highlight how you approach gathering information and your ability to analyse data, as this role heavily relies on these skills.

✨Demonstrate Communication Prowess

Since the job involves connecting with senior-level professionals, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles or academic settings.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

This position values a team-first culture, so be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams. Share specific instances where you contributed to group success and how you handle differing opinions.

✨Exhibit Curiosity and Ambition

Express your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. Discuss how you stay updated on industry trends and your proactive approach to professional development, which aligns with the company's values.

Graduate Research Assistant
GradBay
G
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