Graduate Research Assistant

  • Apprenticeship Reference: 2187746433-2
  • Date Posted: 10 June 2025
  • Apprentice Employer: GradBay
  • Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
  • Apprentice Pay: On Application
  • Apprenticeship Sector: Social care

About this Apprenticeship

The Company

Our client is a fast-growing executive search firm focused on senior-level roles across private healthcare, social care, education, and life sciences. With a strong reputation and a team-first culture, they're committed to delivering results for their clients while creating a work environment where ambition, curiosity, and collaboration thrive.


The team has earned multiple industry awards for consistently placing top-tier talent in leadership positions. High-growth businesses, investors, and operators trust them to deliver leaders who can drive real impact.


The Job

This role suits a sharp, driven individual who enjoys research and working towards a process yet also a curious mind to think outside the box. In this role, you'll play a key part in supporting high-stakes executive searches, providing detailed market intelligence, tracking top talent, and identifying the best-fit candidates for critical leadership roles.


What You'll Do

  • Partner with senior consultants to research industries, companies, and candidate pools for ongoing assignments.
  • Build and maintain structured databases and talent pipelines for future searches.
  • Compile shortlists and prepare candidate profiles for consultant review.
  • Deliver clear, insightful updates on research progress through written and verbal reporting.
  • Connect directly with senior-level professionals using targeted headhunting strategies.
  • Manage candidate engagement throughout the process, from first contact to follow-up.
  • Keep your market knowledge sharp through regular reading, networking, and collaboration with experienced colleagues.


What You'll Get

Full onboarding, hands-on mentorship, and a mapped-out career path to help you grow into a top-tier executive researcher. Expect to be challenged, supported, and developed at every stage.


Perks include:

  • Competitive base salary + commission
  • Generous and growing holiday allowance
  • Paid industry training and certifications
  • Regular team socials and company events
  • Early Friday finishes


Candidate Requirements

This role is ideal for someone with strong academic foundations, excellent communication skills, and a drive to work on high-level talent projects. You'll be comfortable speaking with executives, conducting detailed research, and contributing to a collaborative team.


Key traits we're looking for:

  • Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to work
  • Reliable, deadline-focused, and proactive
  • Friendly, curious, and a natural collaborator
  • Confident communicator who can build rapport and trust
  • Self-starter who can work independently when needed


If you're intellectually curious, ambitious, and ready to make a real contribution to a high-performing team, we'd love to hear from you.