Research Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading analytics firm is seeking a Research Assistant to conduct in-depth research related to foreign direct investment (FDI) projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying projects, updating records, and contributing to trend monitoring. The role offers a 50% hybrid working model and emphasizes the importance of skills such as communication and analytical abilities. A degree in a relevant field and proficiency in French are required.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Medical cover

Subsidised gym memberships

Parental leave packages

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar desk‑based or online research environment is a plus.
• Solid understanding of economic globalisation and cross‑border investment is preferred.
• Knowledge of additional European or global languages is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in‑depth research on specific world regions related to FDI projects.
• Input new projects and update existing records in the fDi Markets database.
• Monitor FDI trends globally and contribute to internal reports.

Skills

French language proficiency

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Self-starter

Effective planning and prioritisation skills

Collaborative and adaptable teammate

Strong analytical and report-writing skills

Education

2:1 or above degree in business, economics or research-related subject

Third-level qualification (A-Level or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

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, established to provide industry‑leading insights into globalisation. Through its suite of products and services, it supports companies and economic development organisations in making informed decisions about foreign direct investment (FDI). fDi Markets, the team’s flagship product, is the leading cross‑border investment database, trusted by governments and global corporations. It is the exclusive source of FDI project data for the UNCTAD World Investment Report and the Economist Intelligence Unit.

As a Research Assistant, you will conduct in‑depth research on specific world regions, identifying companies engaged in FDI projects and entering this data into the fDi Markets platform.

Key Responsibilities

Research various sources to identify new inward investment projects.

Conduct web‑based investigations to supplement and verify project details.

Input new projects and update existing records in the fDi Markets database.

Help develop and improve information sources.

Monitor FDI trends globally to contribute to the internal Trend Tracker used by fDi Magazine.

Track updates to FDI projects, including relocations, closures, expansions, downsizing and co‑locations.

Identify and record potential investment leads.

Support ad‑hoc research and production tasks.

Provide data support to the sales team based on geographical needs.

Required Skills and Experience

• French language proficiency.
• Third‑level qualification (A‑Level or equivalent) with a focus on business, economics or research.
• Solid understanding of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Self‑starter with the ability to work independently.
• Highly organised with effective planning and prioritisation skills.
• Collaborative and adaptable teammate with a positive approach.
• 2:1 or above degree in a business, economics or research‑related subject.
• Knowledge of additional European or global languages.
• Solid understanding of economic globalisation and cross‑border investment.
• Experience in a similar desk‑based or online research environment, particularly involving data management or databases.
• Strong 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 here.

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.

Northern Ireland - Voluntary Disclosure

As part of the FT’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, in this section we ask for information to help us measure the effectiveness of our equal opportunity policies.

This information is voluntary and your application will not be treated differently based on whether or not you provide these details.

Your information will be stored separately to your application on our recruitment system, with safeguards in place to ensure that your data is kept secure and treated confidentially. Hiring managers and recruiters cannot see this information on an individual basis.

We may use the data in an anonymised form for reporting purposes or as required to comply with statutory reporting requirements, depending on your location.

Optional Additional Information

As part of the FT’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, in this section we ask for information to help us measure the effectiveness of our equal opportunity policies.

This information is voluntary and your application will not be treated differently based on whether or not you provide these details.

Your information will be stored separately to your application on our recruitment system, with safeguards in place to ensure that your data is kept secure and treated confidentially. Hiring managers and recruiters cannot see this information on an individual basis.

We may use the data in an anonymised form for reporting purposes or as required to comply with statutory reporting requirements, depending on your location.