Perrett Laver is one of the world's leading executive search firms specialising in leadership appointments across higher education, research, healthcare, schools, charities, foundations and purpose-driven organisations. Every day we work with institutions that are tackling society's biggest challenges, from advancing medical research and education to driving social justice, sustainability and community impact.

We are looking for a curious, analytical and people-focused Research Associate to join our growing Sydney team.

This is an opportunity to begin or accelerate your career in executive search while working on appointments that genuinely matter. You will help identify and engage exceptional leaders who will shape the future of universities, research institutes, schools, health organisations and not-for-profits across Australia and around the world.

We believe that outstanding leadership creates meaningful change. Our role is to find the people who make that happen.

About the role

Research Associates are at the heart of every search we undertake. Working closely with Consultants and Project Managers, you'll play a key role in identifying and engaging outstanding leadership talent from around the world. Every project is different, meaning you'll gain exposure to a broad range of sectors, organisations and leadership challenges.

Your work will include:

• Conducting research and market mapping to identify exceptional leadership talent globally.
• Developing an understanding of clients, sectors and organisational priorities.
• Engaging and building relationships with senior leaders and prospective candidates.
• Preparing research reports, candidate profiles and market insights.
• Managing candidate relationships throughout the search process with professionalism and care.
• Supporting project delivery from commencement through to appointment.

This is a role for someone who enjoys solving complex problems, learning continuously, and working with people.

About you

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A university degree.
• Strong analytical and research capability.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Confidence engaging professionally with senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative and proactive approach.
• Sound judgement, discretion and professionalism.
• An interest in understanding organisations, leadership and global talent markets.
• Alignment with Perrett Laver's values and commitment to creating positive impact.

Desirable

• One to two years' professional experience (or postgraduate study).
• Experience in STEM.
• Additional language skills.

What we offer?

• A structured pathway for career progression.
• Join a global purpose-driven organisation where you will build your career while contributing to meaningful, real-world impact. 
• Perrett Laver is employee owned, on joining us, you immediately become an owner.
• An opportunity to join a small, close knit growing team, where you can develop your career in a supportive, values-led team while gaining hands-on experience across high-impact executive search projects.
• Training and development opportunities as well as the opportunity to join global team collaboration, such as EDI, AI and the EOT working groups.  
• Exposure to a wide variety of clients across higher education, schools, and non-profit organisations.
• A collaborative, international team environment spanning Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Americas, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Location: Sydney CBD, hybrid working with 3 days per week in office to support collaboration and team connection.

How to apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role. Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so early applications are encouraged. 

For further information, or any initial enquiries please contact Claudia Roth [email protected] using the subject line: Research Associate enquiry via EthicalJobs.

If you require any necessary adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements. 

The role will be based in our Sydney office. The successful candidate must have the legal right to work in Australia.

For information about employee rights and minimum wages, see the Fair Work Ombudsman website at www.fairwork.gov.au.

Perrett Laver believes that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. A broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, and opinions amongst our global community of colleagues is crucial in maintaining our corporate culture of openness, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. We take an active role in supporting under-represented communities and groups in becoming better and more fairly represented in the leadership of all organisations. We know that diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our ability to identify, engage and secure candidates from these groups. We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, identity, and experience drives us every day – for clients, for candidate identification and in the recruitment, development, and retention of colleagues. To ensure inclusion based on age, disability, ethnic or national origin, family circumstance, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, political or religious beliefs, race, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, we would like to specifically invite applications from under-represented groups.

Perrett Laver’s Data Protection Policy  

Perrett Laver Pty Ltd collects and uses personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Your data is held securely and used only for the purpose for which it was provided. For our full Privacy Statement, visit perrettlaver.com/privacy-policy.

If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected] using the subject line: Research Associate enquiry via EthicalJobs.