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If you’ve ever Googled “Research Analyst job description” you’ve probably come across dozens of articles. The problem? Most of them don’t actually help you attract great candidates—they just recycle generic bullet points with no personality, no insight, and no real value.
And here’s the truth: a generic job post won’t inspire the best candidates to apply. Top talent wants to know what they’re joining, why the role matters, and how your company treats its people. A bland, checklist-style description won’t cut it.
That’s why in this guide, I’ll show you how to write a Research Analyst job description that actually connects—one that educates, inspires, and attracts thoughtful, mission-driven applicants.
👉 Before we dive in, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It breaks down the “Old Way vs. New Way” of job posts, and gives you a proven structure you can apply to any role. This article will take those principles and apply them specifically to Research Analyst.
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What a Research Analyst Actually Does
Let’s put it simply:
A Research Analyst isn’t just someone who “collects data and prepares reports.” They are the people who turn raw numbers into meaningful insights that guide smarter decisions in your
company.
Think of them as the “detectives of data.” They gather information from multiple sources, analyze trends, and then translate complex findings into clear recommendations. That means their impact is felt in everything from product development to marketing strategy, financial forecasting, and competitive positioning.
But here’s the part most job descriptions miss: it’s not only about technical skills. Yes, they need to know their way around spreadsheets, statistical tools, and market reports—but the best research analysts are also critical thinkers, storytellers, and problem-solvers. They don’t just deliver charts; they explain what those charts mean for your business today, and what you should do tomorrow.
In other words:
- Hard skills (data analysis, research methods, Excel, SQL, etc.) matter.
- But so do soft skills (curiosity, communication, attention to detail, and business intuition).
Get this section right in your job post, and you’ll attract candidates who see themselves as more than “number crunchers”—you’ll attract people who want to influence strategy and make an impact.
Two Great Research Analyst Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Research Analyst Job Description — Experienced Hire
📌 Job Title: Research Analyst (Data & Market Insights) – InsightWave Analytics (New York, NY)
💼 Full-Time | Hybrid
💵 Salary: $68,000 – $82,000 per year (based on experience)
🎥 Meet Our Team
(Insert Loom/YouTube link: A 1–2 min video from the Head of Research introducing the team and explaining why research drives the company’s strategy)
About Us
At InsightWave Analytics, we partner with global brands to uncover hidden opportunities through data. For over a decade, our work has helped companies in tech, retail, and finance make smarter, evidence-based decisions. Our team thrives on curiosity, collaboration, and translating complex datasets into simple, actionable insights.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design and conduct market and consumer research studies.
- Analyze large datasets using Excel, SQL, or Python to identify patterns and trends.
- Translate research findings into presentations and reports for senior stakeholders.
- Collaborate with product, marketing, and finance teams to guide strategy.
- Present insights in a way that influences decision-making at the highest level.
What We’re Looking For
- 2–4 years of experience in a research or data analyst role.
- Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, SQL; Python/R is a plus).
- Strong communication skills—you can explain numbers to non-technical audiences.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- A naturally curious mindset and attention to detail.
Why Join InsightWave
- Competitive pay + annual performance bonus.
- Hybrid work flexibility (3 days in office, 2 days remote).
- Paid learning & development budget for certifications.
- Inclusive, collaborative culture where your insights directly impact client strategy.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance from day one.
Our Hiring Process
We respect your time. Every application is reviewed, and you’ll hear back within 10 business days. Shortlisted candidates will complete a WorkScreen evaluation—this helps us assess your real-world skills, not just your résumé. From there, you’ll have two interviews: one with your future teammates, and one final with leadership.
How to Apply
Apply directly through our WorkScreen link here: [insert application link]
✅ Research Analyst Job Description — Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train
📌 Job Title: Junior Research Analyst – BrightPath Strategies (Remote, US)
💼 Full-Time | Remote-first
💵 Salary: $45,000 – $55,000 per year
🎥 Meet Our Team
(Insert Loom/YouTube link: A short intro from the CEO or Research Lead talking about the company mission and how junior hires are supported with mentorship and growth)
About Us
At BrightPath Strategies, we’re passionate about helping nonprofits and mission-driven organizations understand the people they serve. We believe that data, when used well, creates real-world impact. We’re expanding our research team and are looking for a curious, driven Junior Research Analyst who’s excited to learn, grow, and contribute.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Assist with data collection, cleaning, and entry.
- Support senior analysts in running surveys, interviews, and market studies.
- Conduct basic statistical analysis and generate charts/visualizations.
- Summarize findings and draft reports that highlight key insights.
- Learn directly from senior analysts through mentorship and hands-on projects.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree (any field that involves research, analysis, or problem-solving).
- Strong curiosity and willingness to learn data tools (Excel, SQL, SPSS, or similar).
- Clear communication skills—both written and verbal.
- Organized, reliable, and able to manage multiple small projects.
- No direct experience required—we’ll provide training.
Why Join BrightPath
- Remote-first company culture with flexible hours.
- Paid training program to build your technical and analytical skills.
- Opportunities for promotion as you grow in the role.
- Work that makes a difference—helping nonprofits make data-driven decisions.
- Annual retreats and virtual team-building events.
Our Hiring Process
We aim for a fair and transparent process. Every application is acknowledged, and we use WorkScreen to evaluate skills fairly—so you won’t be overlooked just because you don’t have “years of experience.” Expect a quick assessment, one team interview, and final feedback within two weeks.
How to Apply
Submit your application here: [insert application link]
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Why These Research Analyst Job Descriptions Work
If you compare these job posts to the typical bland ones online, you’ll notice some clear differences. Let’s break down what makes them effective:
1. Clear, Specific Job Titles
- Instead of just saying “Research Analyst”, we added context:
- “Research Analyst (Data & Market Insights) – InsightWave Analytics (New York, NY)”
- “Junior Research Analyst – BrightPath Strategies (Remote, US)”
- “Research Analyst (Data & Market Insights) – InsightWave Analytics (New York, NY)”
- This signals who the job is for, where it’s located (or if it’s remote), and what the focus is. This increases relevance and attracts the right candidates.
2. Human, Context-Driven Intros
- Each post opens with either a company mission or a video from the team. This makes the post feel alive—not just text on a page.
- By framing analysts as “detectives of data” or highlighting impact (“helping nonprofits make data-driven decisions”), candidates can see why their role matters.
3. Transparent Salary & Benefits
- Both templates clearly list pay ranges and perks. This builds trust right away. Candidates don’t have to guess or waste time applying to roles that don’t fit their expectations.
- Transparency attracts serious applicants and filters out mismatches early.
4. Culture & Values Woven In
- InsightWave highlights inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning.
- BrightPath emphasizes mentorship, flexibility, and social impact.
- Instead of just saying “we value teamwork,” the posts show what it looks like in action.
5. Responsibilities That Show Impact
- Rather than vague lists (“analyze data, prepare reports”), the responsibilities tie directly to outcomes:
- “Translate research findings into presentations and reports for senior stakeholders.”
- “Summarize findings and draft reports that highlight key insights.”
- “Translate research findings into presentations and reports for senior stakeholders.”
- This shows candidates that their work will influence decisions—not just sit in a file.
6. Respectful, Transparent Hiring Process
- Both posts reassure candidates that every application is reviewed.
- WorkScreen is mentioned as a fair skills-based evaluation tool, which signals professionalism and respect.
- Clear timelines (“within 10 days” / “within two weeks”) set realistic expectations and reduce candidate anxiety.
7. Personal Touch with Video
- The suggestion to add a Loom or YouTube video from the hiring manager or CEO gives authenticity.
- This helps candidates feel like they’re already meeting the team and builds connection before the interview stage.
8. Why the Role Is Worth Their Time
- Benefits are not just listed—they’re framed in terms of why they matter.
- “Paid learning & development budget for certifications.”
- “Remote-first company culture with flexible hours.”
- “Paid learning & development budget for certifications.”
- This makes the opportunity feel attractive and tailored to candidates’ needs.
Example of a Bad Research Analyst Job Description (And Why It Fails)
📌 Job Title: Research Analyst
💼 Full-Time
📍 Location: US
💵 Salary: Not Disclosed
Job Summary
We are seeking a Research Analyst to join our team. The candidate will be responsible for gathering data, preparing reports, and supporting management with insights.
Key Responsibilities
- Collect data from various sources.
- Prepare weekly and monthly reports.
- Support managers in decision-making.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- 2–3 years of related experience preferred.
How to Apply
Send your résumé and cover letter to hr@company.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic Job Title
- Just “Research Analyst” with no context. Is this market research? Data analytics? Financial analysis? Candidates can’t tell if the role is relevant to their skills.
- Just “Research Analyst” with no context. Is this market research? Data analytics? Financial analysis? Candidates can’t tell if the role is relevant to their skills.
- Cold, Vague Summary
- “Gathering data, preparing reports” doesn’t say why the role matters or how it contributes to the company’s mission.
- “Gathering data, preparing reports” doesn’t say why the role matters or how it contributes to the company’s mission.
- No Salary or Perks
- Omitting pay is a red flag for top talent. Today’s candidates expect transparency—and skipping it suggests outdated hiring practices.
- Omitting pay is a red flag for top talent. Today’s candidates expect transparency—and skipping it suggests outdated hiring practices.
- Responsibilities Are Empty
- Tasks are broad and uninspiring. “Collect data” could mean anything from basic admin to advanced statistical modeling. There’s no sense of impact.
- Tasks are broad and uninspiring. “Collect data” could mean anything from basic admin to advanced statistical modeling. There’s no sense of impact.
- Zero Culture or Values
- Nothing about the team, company mission, or candidate experience. It reads like a formality, not an invitation to join something meaningful.
- Nothing about the team, company mission, or candidate experience. It reads like a formality, not an invitation to join something meaningful.
- Dismissive Hiring Process
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is cold. It makes candidates feel like they’re sending an application into a black hole.
- “Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” is cold. It makes candidates feel like they’re sending an application into a black hole.
- No Personality in the CTA
- Just an email address. No encouragement, no excitement, no effort to make candidates feel welcomed.
- Just an email address. No encouragement, no excitement, no effort to make candidates feel welcomed.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Research Analyst Job Post Stand Out
Once you’ve nailed the basics (clear title, strong intro, transparent salary, engaging responsibilities, and a respectful hiring process), you can take your Research Analyst job post to the next level with these small but powerful additions:
1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice 🔒
Job seekers today are cautious about scams. A simple line like this builds trust immediately:
“We take applicant security and privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or sensitive personal financial information during the hiring process.”
This instantly signals professionalism and safety.
2. Mention Leave Days & Flex Time 🌴
Candidates care about balance. Including this upfront makes your post more attractive:
“Enjoy 20 days of paid time off annually, plus flexible scheduling options to recharge and stay at your best.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities 📈
For research roles, growth is key. Many candidates will ask: “Will this job help me develop?”
You can add:
“We invest in your growth. Every Research Analyst has access to a $1,000 annual learning budget for certifications, courses, and conferences.”
4. Include a Loom or YouTube Video 🎥
Hearing directly from the hiring manager, CEO, or future teammates adds a personal touch. It humanizes your company and helps your post stand out in a sea of text-only descriptions.
Example: A short 90-second Loom from your Head of Research saying: “Here’s how we work, why this role matters, and what it’s like to be on the team.”
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Show the Growth Path for the Role 🚀
Analysts are ambitious—many want to become senior researchers, strategy leads, or data scientists. Showing this path upfront is a magnet for motivated applicants.
“This role is designed to grow into Senior Research Analyst within 18–24 months, with opportunities to lead projects and mentor junior team members.”
6. Respect Candidate Time ⏳
This one’s simple but overlooked. Add a line like:
“We reply to every application within 10 business days because we value your time.”
That alone sets your job post apart from 90% of employers.
Should You Use AI to Write a Research Analyst Job Description?
AI is everywhere right now—even many hiring tools and job boards promote “one-click AI-generated job descriptions.” But here’s the truth: while AI can help, relying on it blindly will hurt your hiring.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you just tell AI “Write me a Research Analyst job description”, you’ll likely get something that looks like:
- Generic, cookie-cutter text with no sense of your company’s culture.
- Overloaded with buzzwords (“detail-oriented self-starter,” “fast-paced environment”).
- Cold and lifeless, with zero personality.
The result? You’ll attract generic applicants—people mass-applying to any job, not thoughtful analysts who care about your mission.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI: Assistant, Not Author
AI is a great editor and organizer, not a substitute for your input. The key is to feed it the raw ingredients, then let it polish.
Here’s a prompt you could use:
“Help me write a job post for our company, DataPoint Insights. We’re hiring a Research Analyst to help with market research, survey design, and data storytelling. Our culture is collaborative, flexible, and growth-focused. We want to attract candidates who are curious, detail-oriented, and strong communicators. We offer a salary range of $65k–$78k, remote work options, and paid learning stipends. Our hiring process includes a WorkScreen evaluation and two interviews. Here are some notes I’ve drafted: [paste your notes].”
That way, AI isn’t inventing a post out of thin air—it’s polishing your words, values, and details.
💡 Pro Tip
You can even show AI a great example (like the InsightWave or BrightPath templates above) and say:
“Give me something similar to this, but tailored to our company and role.”
This approach keeps the human voice and authenticity while saving you time.
⚡ Bottom line: AI should support your process, not replace it. Candidates can smell generic posts from a mile away. Use AI as a tool to refine—not to write your job descriptions for you.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description Template?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast. Maybe you’ve already read through this guide and understand what makes a strong job post, but you still want a starting point you can copy, paste, and tweak for your company.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Research Analyst – [Your Company Name]
📍 Location: [City, State, or Remote]
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | Hybrid/Remote
💵 Salary Range: $XX – $XX per year
About Us
At [Your Company], we believe insights drive innovation. Our mission is to turn data into decisions that shape the future of [industry/field]. We’re looking for a Research Analyst who’s not just a “number cruncher,” but a curious problem-solver who loves uncovering patterns and telling stories with data.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design and conduct research studies across markets, products, or customer groups.
- Analyze data using tools like Excel, SQL, or Python.
- Translate findings into clear, actionable insights for leadership.
- Collaborate with marketing, product, and finance teams to guide strategy.
What We’re Looking For
- X years of research/analyst experience (internships count).
- Solid data analysis skills (Excel required; SQL/Python a plus).
- Strong communicator—you can explain insights to non-technical audiences.
- Curious, detail-oriented, and eager to grow.
Why Join Us
- Competitive pay & growth opportunities.
- Paid training budget to upskill in analytics or research tools.
- Flexible work setup + collaborative team culture.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Our Hiring Process
We respect your time. Every application is reviewed. Shortlisted candidates complete a WorkScreen evaluation, followed by two interviews. You’ll always hear back from us—no ghosting here.
📥 How to Apply: Apply via our WorkScreen link: [Insert WorkScreen link].
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Research Analyst – [Your Company Name]
📍 Location: [City, State, or Remote]
💼 Job Type: Full-Time | Hybrid/Remote
💵 Salary Range: $XX – $XX per year (based on experience)
Job Brief
We are looking for a Research Analyst to join our growing team. You’ll be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to provide insights that support business decisions. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, is detail-oriented, and can clearly communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Collect and analyze data from multiple sources.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis.
- Create reports, dashboards, and presentations to share findings.
- Support cross-functional teams with data-driven insights.
- Stay updated on research methods and industry trends.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, statistics, or a related field.
- Proficiency in Excel (SQL or Python is a plus).
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with deadlines.
- X years of experience in research or data analysis preferred.
Benefits
- Paid time off and flexible scheduling.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Professional development stipend for courses and certifications.
- Career growth opportunities with clear promotion paths.
How to Apply
Submit your application via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen link].
Take Your Job Post Further with WorkScreen.io
Writing a compelling job description is the first step. But once applications start rolling in, the real challenge begins: how do you quickly identify the most promising candidates without wasting hours on low-effort applications?
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
✅ Quickly spot your best candidates.
WorkScreen automatically evaluates applicants, scores them, and ranks them on a performance-based leaderboard. You’ll instantly see who stands out—no more endless résumé sorting.
✅ Easily run one-click skill tests.
Easily administer one-click skill tests with Workscreen. This way you can assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Filter out low-effort and AI-generated applicants.
WorkScreen detects and eliminates low-effort applicants—including those who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
✅ Hire smarter, faster, and with confidence.
By combining a strong job post with WorkScreen’s automated evaluation, you get both quality applicants and an efficient way to manage them.
👉 Next Step:
After you create your Research Analyst job post, sign up for WorkScreen.io (no demo required). Share your job link anywhere, let candidates apply, and let WorkScreen do the heavy lifting.
Frequently Asked Questions - Research Analyst Job Description
The best Research Analysts combine technical skills with soft skills.
- Technical skills: data analysis (Excel, SQL, Python, R), research methods, statistics, survey design, and report writing.
- Soft skills: critical thinking, communication, curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to turn numbers into actionable insights.
Top candidates aren’t just “data collectors”—they’re storytellers who can explain what the data means and how it impacts business decisions.
While the two roles overlap, the focus is different:
- Research Analyst → usually works on market research, industry trends, and consumer insights. They design surveys, study competitors, and analyze external and internal data to guide strategy.
- Data Analyst → often focuses more on internal company data. They clean, process, and analyze large datasets (sales, user activity, financials) to improve operations and performance.
In short: a Research Analyst explains “what’s happening in the market”, while a Data Analyst explains “what’s happening inside the company.”
Salaries vary based on location, experience, and industry. In the U.S., as of 2024:
- Entry-level Research Analyst: $50,000 – $60,000
- Mid-level (2–5 years): $65,000 – $80,000
- Senior-level (5+ years): $85,000 – $110,000+
Industries like finance and tech typically pay higher than nonprofits or government roles.
Not always. Some industries (like healthcare, finance, or biotech) require subject-matter expertise, but in many cases, transferable research skills (data analysis, survey design, trend analysis) are enough. If you’re hiring for entry-level roles, focus on curiosity, problem-solving ability, and willingness to learn.
It depends on your needs:
- If you need immediate insights → hire someone experienced.
- If you can invest in training → consider entry-level hires with strong analytical ability and curiosity. This widens your talent pool and can often result in highly loyal employees.
Resumés alone won’t tell you much. The best way is to use skills-based evaluations:
- Give candidates a dataset and ask them to extract insights.
- Ask them to present their findings in plain English.
- Use platforms like WorkScreen to automatically test research and analytical ability in a fair, structured way.
