Research Associate

NRG is a leading global insights and strategy firm at the confluence of content, culture, and technology. We stay ahead of what's next, providing fresh insights to spark new ideas. We're a trusted partner to our clients, working behind the scenes to bring imagination, depth, and clarity to their biggest challenges—in entertainment, technology, lifestyle, sports, and gaming. Together, we create with confidence.

We're proud of our company's values – these values guide us as we navigate sunny days, gray skies and everything in between:

• Do what you love. With conviction.
• Where discovery lives. And impact drives.
• Celebrate difference. Cultivate belonging.
• Big thinking. Collectively inspired.
• Embrace the journey. Be human.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking passionate and inquisitive individuals to join our Content testing team, a group of world-class researchers with expertise in evaluating entertainment content – everything from movies to TV shows to trailers and commercials. In this role, you'll help top global entertainment brands answer strategic business questions by leveraging consumer insights. Your work will drive innovation, uncover new ideas, and guide clients in creating their next piece of content. In this role, you will use Project Management skills to partner with cross-functional teams, driving various quantitative & qualitative research projects to completion. This is an excellent opportunity to build foundational skills in the world of research, while having a significant impact on our clients' business

Your Impact:

You will be required to support all phases of quantitative and qualitative primary market research for our entertainment clients. This may include methods such as concept evaluation, content optimization tests and creative materials tests. Qualitative methods could include in-depth interviews, online communities, focus groups, etc.

For a quantitative project, the steps you'd assist on could include, but are not limited to:
• Support the team during the proposal process by doing basic desk research;

• Review, proof and format survey questionnaires including precise and correct use of survey programming logic;
• Test programmed survey links for formatting and accuracy compared to the final questionnaire, logic, and research objectives;
• Check soft launch survey data in Decipher to ensure accuracy compared to the final questionnaire, logic, and research objectives;
• Assist with the creation of data table specs and weighting schemes so our data processing team can create data tables;
• Monitor fieldwork progress in Decipher and conduct bad case searches;
• Check and finalize data tables provided by our data processing team;
• Populate client reports and appendices using the Microsoft Office Suite or Google Suite;
• Quality control and proofread reports to ensure accuracy;
• Partner with internal and external operations teams (programming, fieldwork, data processing, marketing sciences) to ensure projects stay on track and meet client timelines.

For a qualitative project, the steps you'd assist on could include, but are not limited to:

• Support the team during the proposal process by doing desk research;
• Review, proof and format discussion guides, stimulus and screeners;
• Monitor recruitment process and conduct re-screens of research participants as necessary;
• Assist with scheduling research participants and sending invites;
• Search for & identify potential research participants on social media based on detailed qualification criteria;
• Observe qualitative research, in person or virtually, and take detailed notes;
• Review qualitative transcripts and pull relevant participant quotations;
• Populate reports and appendices using the Microsoft Office Suite or Google Suite;
• Quality control and proofread reports to ensure accuracy;
• Manage/Organize project-related files;
• Partner with internal and external operations teams (fieldwork, moderators, facilities or online qual partners) to ensure projects stay on track and meet client timelines.

Software & Equipment:

To perform this role successfully, candidates must be proficient in the following software, categorized by type, as they will be integral to daily operations:

• Office Productivity Tools: Microsoft Office 365 / SharePoint, Apple Workspace Suite, Google Drive / GSuite;
• Communication Tools: Microsoft Teams, Zoom;
• Project Management Tools: Asana, ;
• Market Research Tools: Decipher (Forsta Surveys), Remesh;
  • AI Tools: ChatGPT, Tactiq.

Who We're Looking For:

Must haves:

• Curiosity and Critical Thinking – You are genuinely interested in seeking information on the "whys," always digging for more information to understand what makes consumers tick. Whether it's understanding why one marketing message is more effective than another or what consumers think we could be using AI for in the future, you can always find something interesting to sink your teeth into. Simply put, you love to learn.
• Problem Solver – You are a natural problem solver. When something doesn't go as planned, your first instinct is to look for a solution, rather than viewing it as a roadblock. You're always on the lookout for new ways to accomplish tasks and have the ability to address issues using creative and collaborative tactics.
• Data Driven – You're comfortable working with and QCing data to identify trends and insights, including both structured (i.e. data and hard numbers) and unstructured (i.e. interviews and qualitative) data.
• Communication – Excellent communication skills are required as you will be interfacing with colleagues at all levels as well as clients and vendors. You possess strong proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Self-starter – Internally-motivated who continuously strives to get things done well, regardless of challenges encountered. You are proactive and always keep an eye on the next step.
• Clear and Proactive Communicator – You have excellent written and verbal communication skills and are able to communicate clearly and succinctly. You're comfortable asking questions and sharing your point of view.
• Hawk-eyed attention to detail – You notice when font sizes change unexpectedly or a proper noun isn't capitalized. Errors don't get past you and you are always focused on ensuring high levels of quality control and reporting.
• Expert multitasker – Successfully manages time and multiple competing priorities to ensure deadlines are always met. Staying organized is a must for managing projects
• Team Oriented – Team player who works collaboratively and harmoniously within a team and across teams. You are comfortable forming connections with colleagues remotely whether that be jumping on a quick video meeting, picking up the phone for a call or chatting with them through IMs. You welcome feedback because you have a zest for learning and growing. You will roll up your sleeves to help get the job done and no task is beneath you.
• Your degree(s) – You hold a B.A./B.S. degree in fields such as Social Sciences, Psychology, Business, Marketing, Market Research, Statistics, Economics, or a related area. Additional degrees are welcome

Position Type:

This is a full-time position working these hours:

• Time Zone: Philippine Time (Manila) (PHT)
• Days: Wednesday – Sunday
• Hours: 9am – 6pm PHT