Research Consultant

Who We Are Brandtrust (www.brandtrust.com) is a research and strategy firm that utilizes applied social and behavioral sciences to solve complex business challenges. Our methodologies are designed to unlock the non-conscious needs and desires of customers, providing insight-driven strategic direction for brand development, innovation, customer experience and behavior design.Working Here Brandtrust is not just another consulting firm; we're a dynamic team driven to create meaningful change. From day one, our people can make a definitive personal impact for their clients and their careers. We work on the front lines – partnering with clients to deliver game-changing solutions in the most dynamic industries. And partnering together to live out our internal value proposition of always being 100% human, and our core values:Curiosity: We are innately and insatiably curious.Collaboration: We think and do our best together.Constant Improvement: Positivity and possibility propel usAbout the Role Brandtrust seeks a dedicated individual with a rigorous commitment to qualitative research to join our Client Experience team. Ideally, you bring relevant experience in market research, professional services firm or consumer insights. You’re a curious, analytical thinker and a passionate storyteller who thrives in a collaborative environment.As a Research Consultant, you’ll support the seamless execution of our research methodologies, ensuring precision, insight and effectiveness at every stage. You’ll gain mastery of Brandtrust’s applied social and behavioral science research methodologies, conduct in-depth interviews to identify and apply human truth to our client’s business challenges. In this essential role, you’ll collaborate with project and client teams to uncover insights through the analysis of language and story, grounded in powerful narrative. You’ll utilize your analytical and writing skills to support with findings presentations, deliverable development, multi-study synthesis and project foundations support. Your keen attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and proactive approach, you will contribute to the success of our research initiatives.Key Areas of ResponsibilitiesResearch Design, Programming & Set-Up: Support the design of key research components, including but not limited to: Design screening questionnaires that effectively align with project research objectives, ensuring the eligibility of participants for each study; Create discussion guides that provide a structured interview framework to uncover valuable insights and helps to inform strategic direction, and; Craft Narrative Inquiry QRE (Qualitative Research and Evaluation) tools, collaborate with vendor technical teams to manage programming for effective data collection, and conduct comprehensive testing of survey links to ensure functionality and troubleshoot any issues prior to the research going live.Research Documentation & Deliverables Support: Create research deliverables including informal top-line reports and comprehensive findings presentations; Develop composite narratives or work directly with researchers that support research findings and; Collaborate with the studio to create impactful final project deliverables.Research Best Practices: Refine and document research best practices through hands-on project experience; Contribute to the Research Consultant Playbook, a comprehensive resource that provides guidance and an overview of all Brandtrust research offerings.Research fielding and analysis: In select engagements, and depending on experience level and project needs, the Research Consultant may support or lead components of research fielding and analysis, including:Participate in research fielding engagements as Lead researcher; Lead researcher should have deep knowledge of the client’s business questions to effectively connect and translate what we hear in research to address the clients specific needs; Facilitate researcher download calls to ensure a comprehensive grasp of the research project, align with goals and expectations, familiarize with the category topic review discussion guides in preparation for research fielding, and promote seamless collaboration throughout the research process; Conduct in-depth interviews using our applied social and behavioral science research methodologies and dynamic probing to uncover deep emotions, motivations, barriers, aspirations, and unmet needs; Actively participate in global studies to listen in on interviews, take verbatim notes and participate in final synthesis; Be the primary researcher voice in mini-synthesis following each interview round to identify narrative patterns and themes; Review interviews and prepare verbatim stories that represent key themes and top-line findings; Participate in final synthesis with researcher and client teams, translating emotional insights into clear, client-centric language tied to business questions; Lead report writing post-fieldwork in partnership with the project lead to produce an emotive, insight-driven final report; Support client presentations of findings as needed; Conduct Narrative Inquiry analysis and deliver final findings reports.QualificationsBachelor’s degree or above required with 3+ years of relevant research experience preferred specifically in market research, consumer insights agency, consulting firm or equivalent preferred. Background in the social sciences preferred — including fields such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, or behavioral science — demonstrating a strong passion for understanding human behavior, motivation, and decision-making.Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint required; Experience with Slack, Box.com, Monday.com, Miro, and Microsoft Teams desirable.Proven ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced, and dynamic environment.Strong sense of urgency with the ability to work on multiple projects, multi-task and juggle many responsibilities at once while meeting deadlines.Possess strong problem-solving skills with an ability to plan proactively; Solution- & detail-oriented, disciplined, and organized with abilities to work independently as well as part of a team.Proven team-management and leadership skills with a high EQ; An approachable, active listener who inspires trust and confidence from teammates and can resolve conflict with diplomacy.Excellent written/oral communication and ability to follow-up and follow-through.A curious, continuous learner with a strong desire to learn new technologies and implement new processes. Ability to maintain high degrees of integrity and confidentiality.Understand & live that the “little things” make all the difference when it comes to measures of success.Adhere with all Brandtrust and client required training and guidelines for market research and healthcare industry regulations and laws. Specifically (but not limited to) Pharmacovigilance (PV) and Healthcare Providers (HCPs) processes and reporting, Ethics, Confidentiality, Data Privacy / Security and Harassment.CompensationAt Brandtrust, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Aligned with our 100% Human EVP, we prioritize your well-being and offer a comprehensive benefits package. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as unlimited vacation, paid leave, professional development and tuition assistance. Our recognition awards program celebrates outstanding performance and embodiment of our values.Your compensation is determined by various factors, reflecting your education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $80K - $85K (annualized USD). This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Brandtrust’s total compensation package we offer to our employees.Work ModelHeadquartered in Chicago, Brandtrust champions a people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of flexibility and collaboration, whether that happens in person or remotely. Our hybrid work model allows you to choose between in-person or remote work, aligning with your preferences. Additionally, you’ll periodically travel to conduct in person research and/or to client sites.EEO CommitmentBrandtrust is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We believe in treating each employee and applicant for employment fairly and with dignity. We base our employment decisions on merit, experience, and potential, without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state, or local law.