Perrett Laver is the leading global executive search firm for purpose-driven organizations across education, research, society, and the environment.

Our creative, values-based approach, combined with our global presence and reach, means we go far beyond traditional boundaries to find tomorrow’s most transformational leaders, and that’s what sets us apart. Working across over 70 countries, we identify impactful and diverse talent for organizations, addressing the greatest challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow.

Perrett Laver’s North American offices work across all our primary practices, with a particular focus in supporting clients in Higher Education (leadership, research and operations); Social Impact & Environment; Research, Technology & Innovation; Arts & Culture; and ‘Tech for Good’ sectors.

The position of Research Associate is fundamental to our business. By combining the intellectual and analytical skills necessary to grasp complex briefs and the research skills to identify world-leading candidates for leadership roles, you will be responsible for identifying and attracting candidates.

Skills and experience required:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Sharp and rigorous analytical skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Personal resilience, tenacity and commitment, coupled with strong personal values which align with Perrett Laver values;
• Strong interpersonal skills both over the phone and face-to-face.

To apply, please send your resume/CV and a cover letter detailing how you fulfill the role description and person specification quoting reference INT-013.

Please note that due to the volume of applications, we will only notify shortlisted candidates. This role will remain open until filled. The ideal start would be late August or early September 2026.

This is a remote position, with a strong preference for Chicago, Raleigh, New York City, or Vancouver based candidates.

We also welcome applicants in the following US states (Illinois, California, Washington, Michigan, Texas, New York, and North Carolina) or Canadian Provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec). Candidates must have the right to work, as relevant, in the US and/or Canada.

The salary range for a US-based Research Associate is $52,000-$60,000 USD and for a Canada-based Research Associate is $55,000-$60,000 CAD.

Perrett Laver is an equal opportunity employer. To ensure inclusion on the basis of 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.

Protecting your personal data is of the utmost importance to Perrett Laver and we take this responsibility very seriously. Any information obtained by our trading divisions is held and processed in accordance with the relevant data protection legislation. The data you provide us with is securely stored on our computerized database and transferred to our clients for the purposes of presenting you as a candidate and/or considering your suitability for a role you have registered interest in.

Perrett Laver is a Data Controller and a Data Processor, and our legal basis for processing your personal data is ‘Legitimate Interests’. You have the right to object to us processing your data in this way. For more information about this, your rights, and our approach to Data Protection and Privacy, please see our Privacy Policy.