Research Specialist

About the Role

We are seeking a commercially oriented, client-facing Research Specialist to join Accenture Research’s Australia and New Zealand team, based in Melbourne or Perth. This position involves working across diverse industry sectors to support clients in addressing complex business, economic, and policy challenges through a blend of analytical reasoning, research, data analysis, and engaging with stakeholders. Projects might include exploring the impact of AI on Australia's labor market through 2030, or evaluating the economic effects of critical minerals processing within the Australian economy.

Role Overview and Expectations

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical skills, a commercial mindset, and the ability to transform complex data into insightful and actionable recommendations. Suitable backgrounds include consulting, economics, policy, analytics, strategy, or research. This role requires a balance of structured problem-solving, data fluency, and effective communication. You should be adept at moving seamlessly between analysis, stakeholder interaction, and clear storytelling.

As a Research Specialist, you will take responsibility for specific workstreams, engage directly with clients and internal stakeholders, and contribute independently to developing research methodologies and analytical frameworks. Success requires not only technical expertise but also collaboration and relationship-building, working closely alongside colleagues from various industries, functions, and regions to unify diverse knowledge and insight.

Candidate Profile

The preferred candidate possesses a naturally inquisitive mindset, eagerness for growth, and a cooperative approach to problem-solving. This role is suited for individuals enthusiastic about exploring new subjects, working across multiple industries, and expanding networks to tackle complex issues. The candidate should be comfortable balancing rigorous analysis with the responsiveness and practicality demanded by a commercial, client-interactive setting.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Innovative and pragmatic analytical problem-solving, particularly within tight deadlines and ambiguous contexts.
• Ability to organize and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources to produce clear insights and recommendations.
• Proficiency in building and refining economic models addressing commercial and policy-related matters.
• Experience analyzing datasets with tools such as Python, R, SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or advanced Excel to detect trends and opportunities.
• Expertise applying business, economic, or policy analysis techniques to industry, workforce, market, or policy questions; familiarity with economic modeling, forecasting, or scenario planning is beneficial.
• Strong skills in conveying complex analyses through presentations, reports, and visualizations tailored for non-technical and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to establish trusted relationships and collaborate effectively with clients, subject matter experts, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven capacity to thrive in collaborative environments by leveraging diverse team expertise.
• Confidence and proficiency in using large language models (LLMs) as tools for research, analytics, and productivity, with keen awareness of their capabilities and limitations.