Research Analyst (North America)

Are you passionate about applying an interest in the energy and renewables area to real-world applications where you can see the benefit? Are you interested in learning about what makes capital projects really tick? Are you curious how companies and teams organize themselves to develop, plan, and execute projects? Do you love making connections and solving puzzles or problems? Are you that rare combination of detailed and focused, yet you have broad interests and ideas? Do you enjoy analytical research work while also being comfortable in a client-facing role?

The Research Analyst focuses on developing analytical products that support our benchmarking business as well as targeted research to help clients in the energy, renewables, mining and minerals, and other major commodity areas. They are also tasked with creating new products that drive the company forward and help our clients navigate a changing world. Independent Project Analysis, Inc. (IPA) is a company that values innovation, and the Research Analyst has a lead role this innovation effort.

IPA is a leading capital projects think tank with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and Singapore. We have openings in our US office in Ashburn, VA, for Research Analysts. This role is within an exciting and established area of the company in which we leverage our expertise and unmatched data to advise our clients on the effect of project practices on capital project performance and work collaboratively with them to support them as they work to improve. The successful candidate will have the potential to become a consultant and trusted advisor in your specialization in Industry.

IPA’s has expertise and offerings across a wide range of industry sectors and product areas. Research Analysts have the opportunity to specialize in the following areas:

• Industry sector specialization (Energy, Chemicals and Life Sciences, Mining, etc.)
• Carbon Management
• Site and Sustaining Capital
• Project Cost Analysis
• Organization & Teams

IPA’s client portfolio includes world-leading companies in both heavy and light industries around the world. Major industry leaders globally rely on us to assess the health of their capital project systems and provide recommendations to improve their performance. The IPA project databases are unique and the most comprehensive sources of capital project experience in existence. IPA also takes a leading role in empirical research into the drivers of better projects and project systems using our extensive databases of past project performance.

IPA seeks candidates for the Research Analyst position with strong analytical skills and intellectual curiosity who are looking to contribute as a thought leader. The candidate’s interest in studying project practices that affect project outcomes is critical. Aptitude for and demonstrated skills to be a successful analyst and consultant include your ability to connect real life with the data and vice versa, to know when to ask more questions and when to just listen, and to back yourself as you learn and thrive.

Analysts must have excellent written and oral communication skills, display the interpersonal skills needed to develop and maintain relationships at senior levels with client companies, and have a demonstrated aptitude for learning new concepts and applying them quickly. The position requires solid analytical skills, a proven ability to relate data and statistical analysis to real-world application, a track record of finding creative solutions to complex problems, comfort with ambiguity, and flexibility in thought and/or approach. The successful candidate will work well in teams, but also be capable of managing multiple projects independently and have experience in applied research or consulting.

We are interested in multiple perspectives and therefore are seeking a range of backgrounds and experience to contribute to the team, but the following are essential:

You’ll stand out from the crowd with any of the following:

This position will involve approximately 10 to 15 percent travel.

IPA is the preeminent global benchmarking and consultancy for capital projects. IPA guides capital-intensive organizations to establish the right combination of people, work process, and governance to maximize cost, schedule, safety, and operability performance. We have a dataset of nearly 21,000 capital projects as the basis of our work. Our clients are leading companies in the process, extractive, and technology sectors who conduct capital projects in the petroleum, minerals, infrastructure, chemicals, and renewables industries. IPA is committed to social and ethical responsibility and all global offices initiate or participate in local charity initiatives to support those in need.

We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits (including the opportunity for a 4-month paid sabbatical after 6 years of service), stable employment and a long-term career path for professional growth and development. IPA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Applicants should complete the form below and include a cover letter, resume, and salary requirement. IPA is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.