Research Assistant

Mesh-AI Limited; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A global news organization is seeking a Research Assistant to support investment research through data analysis and project insights. Responsibilities include researching inward investment projects, maintaining databases, and assisting the sales team with data needs. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, organizational abilities, and a degree in business or economics. This is a great opportunity to work in a hybrid model, offering flexibility and professional growth in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Medical cover

Subsidised gym memberships

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of global economic trends.
• Experience in online research and data management.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify inward investment projects.
• Conduct web-based research for project insights.
• Enter project data into fDi Markets database.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and communication abilities

Highly organised with strong planning

Analytical and report-writing skills

Proficiency in European or global languages

Education

A Level or above qualification

2:1 or above degree in business or economics

Job description

About Us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide. At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world. In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing. Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere. Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The Role

FT Locations is a specialist division of the Financial Times Ltd, established to provide industry‑leading insights into globalisation. We support companies and economic development organisations through a portfolio of world‑class products and services, including fDi Markets—the leading database for cross‑border inward investment. We are looking for a Research Assistant to join the FT Locations team, supporting the fDi Markets product through in‑depth regional research, company tracking and data input that underpins major publications and global investment strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and identify inward investment projects using various sources
• Conduct web‑based research to gather further project insights
• Enter new and updated project data into the fDi Markets database
• Maintain and develop new research sources
• Supervise global FDI trends and contribute to an internal Trend Tracker
• Investigate relocations, closures, expansions and colocations of investment projects
• Identify potential new investment leads
• Support ad‑hoc research and production tasks
• Assist the sales team with regional data needs

Required Skills and Experience

• A Level or above qualification, ideally with a business, economics, or research focus
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Highly organised with strong planning and prioritisation skills
• A positive, adaptable, and team‑oriented approach
• 2:1 or above degree in business, economics or a research‑related subject
• Proficiency in European or global languages
• Understanding of global economic trends and cross‑border investment
• Experience in online research, databases, or data management
• Analytical and report‑writing skills

What’s in it for You?

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best‑in‑class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available. We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in‑person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory. Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments or personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email [e-mail] and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further Information

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all. Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact [e-mail].