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Desk Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purple Strategies

Research Analyst

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis * Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring

Purple Strategies

Research Analyst

Alexandria, VA

Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis * Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring

Purple Strategies

Research Analyst

Alexandria, VA

Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis * Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring

YLabs

Research Assistant

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$21 - $29/hr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our Climate x SRHR project and to conduct desk research, support stakeholder engagement, and contribute to research publications and ...

YLabs

Research Assistant

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$21 - $29/hr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our Climate x SRHR project and to conduct desk research, support stakeholder engagement, and contribute to research publications and ...

YLabs

Research Assistant

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $29/hr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our Climate x SRHR project and to conduct desk research, support stakeholder engagement, and contribute to research publications and ...

The Black Institute Inc

Research Associate

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$45K - $50K/mo

Responsibilities: · Identifying and coordinating development of appropriates research data and writing reports to support TBI's campaigns and special projects · Gathering information through desk ...

The Black Institute Inc

Research Associate

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$45K - $50K/mo

Responsibilities: · Identifying and coordinating development of appropriates research data and writing reports to support TBI's campaigns and special projects · Gathering information through desk ...

GDIT

Scientific IT Service Desk Manager

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$131K - $178K/yr

Information Technology (IT) Services, IT Service Desk, Research Technologies, Service Improvement Certifications: None Experience: 3 + years of related experience US Citizenship Required: No GDIT is ...

City of New York

Senior User Researcher

Brooklyn, NY

Responsibilities will include: - Lead end-to-end research (generative, evaluative, and mixed methods synthesized with desk research and analytics); - Translate qualitative and quantitative research ...

City of New York

Senior User Researcher

Brooklyn, NY

Responsibilities will include: - Lead end-to-end research (generative, evaluative, and mixed methods synthesized with desk research and analytics); - Translate qualitative and quantitative research ...

City of New York

Senior User Researcher

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$150K/yr

Responsibilities will include: -Lead end-to-end research (generative, evaluative, and mixed methods synthesized with desk research and analytics); -Translate qualitative and quantitative research ...

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How much do desk research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for desk research in the United States is $23.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is desk research?

A Desk Research job involves gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing existing information from various sources such as reports, online databases, academic papers, and market studies. Researchers compile relevant data to support business decisions, market analysis, or policy development. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret secondary data effectively. It is commonly used in industries like consulting, marketing, and academia to gain insights without conducting new, primary research.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in desk research?

A typical day in Desk Research involves gathering and analyzing data from a variety of online and offline sources to provide valuable insights for your team or clients. You might spend time reviewing industry reports, compiling market trends, preparing summaries, and verifying facts to ensure accuracy. Desk Researchers often work closely with project managers, strategists, or other subject matter experts to clarify research objectives and tailor findings to specific business needs. The work environment is generally structured, with clear deadlines and the autonomy to manage your workload, making time management skills especially important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in desk research, and why are they important?

To excel in Desk Research, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in synthesizing information from various sources are essential, often supported by degrees in research-oriented fields such as social sciences, business, or information science. Competence with data analysis tools, online research databases, spreadsheets, and citation management software is commonly required. Exceptional organizational skills, time management, and clear written communication help distinguish top performers. These abilities enable accurate, comprehensive, and efficient delivery of research findings that support informed business decisions.

What exactly is desk research?

Desk research is a method used by professionals, including those in research roles, to gather and analyze existing information from sources such as reports, databases, and online resources. It involves reviewing secondary data to support decision-making, often requiring strong analytical skills and familiarity with research tools. This approach is typically performed in an office environment and does not involve fieldwork.
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Desk Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Desk Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,688 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Research Analyst

Purple Strategies

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Purple Strategies
Purple Strategies is a corporate reputation and strategy firm that combines the creativity and discipline of brand communications with the speed and strategy of political campaigns to help leverage or reduce pressure on a business, brand or issue. We help build and defend reputation and brand value and serve Fortune 500 companies, associations, nonprofits and some of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Purple helps the world's most important organizations address their toughest challenges. We operate in a highly collaborative environment and apply integrated, team-based approaches to help clients:
  • ANTICIPATE reputation challenges and opportunities;
  • COMPEL change through business actions and transformation; and
  • NAVIGATE reputation issues, acute crises, key business choices and policy/regulatory changes to inform decision-making.

About The Position
The Research Analyst is responsible for fielding and analyzing quantitative surveys and coordinating qualitative research, as well as working with non-traditional data sources including earned and paid media and desk research. The ideal candidate will love exploring and analyzing data, revel in uncovering hidden insights or trends, and have strong communications skills to turn data findings into meaningful client reports.
Key Responsibilities
  • Quantitative Research management
    • Questionnaire drafting and development
    • Developing sampling and weighting plans
    • Supporting data gathering/fieldwork, including vendor management
    • Creating banners, tables, charts/data visualizations, and slides
    • Preparing PowerPoint reports and memos of key insights
  • Qualitative Research Management
    • Managing focus group scheduling and recruitment
    • Contributing to screeners and discussion guides, and preparing hand-outs and materials
    • Coordinating transcripts and recordings, selecting representative quotes, identifying key themes
  • Syndicated, public and social data exploration
    • Completing secondary and desk research to support research design and analysis
    • Contributing to digital listening tasks including creating searches, using dashboards, reporting and monitoring
    • Integrating social media, earned media and opinion data and other information into a comprehensive insights framework
    • Social insights gathering and reporting for a portfolio of client engagements, business development and firm marketing
    • Building proficiency in Purple's digital research and monitoring tools, including Quid, Cision, Quorum and Critical Mention
  • Working as part of Purple's integrated client teams to deliver insights that help achieve key client goals
  • Other special projects, including supporting work on the Purple Pulse Survey

Qualifications and Experience You Need To Be Successful In This Role
  • Bachelor's degree with recommended 1+ years of experience or exposure to political, market research, and/or consumer research. Experience with corporate reputation or crisis work is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to use AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly to enhance work product while consistently applying critical thinking, judgment, protecting confidentiality, and maintaining accountability for work quality and accuracy.
  • Strong organizational, writing, communication and time management skills.
  • Ability to follow direction and incorporate feedback; exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to prioritize own work effectively and adapt to changing situations and a fast-paced environment.
  • A passion for exploring and analyzing data, and uncovering hidden insights or trends.
  • Proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel and Word; statistical software such as R, SPSS or Marketsight a plus. Familiarity with digital and media intelligence platforms such as Quid, Cision, Quorum or Critical Mention is also a plus.
  • Embodiment of Purple's values: Adaptable, Collaborative, Curious, Innovative, Industrious, Respectful.

Work Location
This is a full-time position based in our Alexandria, VA office. Purple Strategies offers a hybrid model and seeks employees who can work three days a week in-person. Purple values the camaraderie, connection, inclusion and professional development that in-person interactions provide, yet still recognizes the importance of flexibility and balance in our employees' lives.
How To Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter online at www.purplestrategies/joinourteam.com
Purple is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.

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