Research Assistant

Think Stylist is an insight consultancy that gives modern women a voice and channels it to inform and inspire other businesses. Powered by Stylist – the UK’s leading media brand for millennial and Gen Z women – the brands we work with gain access to our unprecedented understanding of modern women as they evolve through their 20s, 30s and 40s.

The Think Stylist team is now looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support the management and growth of the Think Stylist research communities (both our panel and qualitative collective), ensuring high-quality insights that power the business. 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in keeping our communities engaged, optimising processes, and delivering valuable data that fuels our research and commercial strategies. 

The Research Assistant will also work closely with the Associate Insight Director, supporting on all stages of research projects from kick-off to delivery. 

THE ROLE: 

As a Research Assistant, you'll be responsible for the smooth operation and ongoing development of the Think Stylist research panel - from onboarding and retention to survey execution and panel health monitoring. 

You'll be keeping our panellists engaged and maintaining a high-quality participant base, managing communications, troubleshooting technical issues and supporting survey execution. 

In addition to managing the research panel, you’ll support in setting up and overseeing the day-to-day management of our qualitative insight collective as well as supporting on relevant research projects, including helping on survey writing and creation, analysis and report writing. 

This role blends community management, research execution and operational support enabling the business to reach and understand the UK’s most influential consumers: millennial and Gen Z women.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Onboarding & Engagement 

• Manage the sign-up and onboarding process e.g., welcome new participants, ensure communication of rewards system / how data is stored and used is clear 

• Collect accurate demographic data to build a well-targeted and diverse panel for survey distribution 

• Manage survey reminders and incentives to keep panellists engaged 

• Track panel size and churn, implementing strategies to maintain a healthy and active participant base 

 Panel Communication & Retention 

• Send survey invitations and updates, ensuring panellists feel informed and valued 

• Keep members engaged with regular newsletters and updates on the impact of their contributions 

• Responsible for the look and feel of the Think Stylist home page, keeping it up to date with relevant information and up to date research opportunities 

 Panel Health & Issue Management 

• Track panel demographics and provide monthly insights to the business, translating it into a report currently called The Panelbook 

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues affecting panellists 

• Act as the main point of contact with FlexMR, flagging and resolving platform bugs while keeping the business updated on platform changes 

 Survey Support 

• Assist the Associate Insight Director by testing surveys before launch and identifying any issues 

• Create and distribute quick polls to support internal teams such as Sales and Creative Strategy 

 Insight Collective 

• Manage monthly incentives, ensuring respondents are paid on time 

• Scheduling and diarising monthly calls with the collective to ensure we build and maintain a flourishing relationship 

• Support in analysing the ethnographic findings, identifying and analysing trends 

• Point of contact for any technical issues the collective may face 

 Additional Responsibilities 

• Support the Associate Insight Director and Commercial Insight Director with research projects, including supporting on survey writing and creation, analysis and report writing 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE: 

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail 
• Ideally, experienced in panel management or research operations 
• Excellent communication skills for engaging panellists 
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly
• Comfortable working with data and tracking panel health metrics 
• An interest in learning and developing key research skills

To apply for this role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 35 hours per week. We offer a blend of home and office working. We are flexible on the DC Thomson office base/location for this role. We offer a generous package including 26 days holiday plus bank holidays, health cash plan, gym discount, excellent pension, a competitive salary, and many more staff discounts and benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from everyone and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or any other protected characteristics.

Closing date for applications: Sunday, 6th April at 23:59hrs

If you have any issues with your application, please email recruitment@dcthomson.co.uk

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early once we have received suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.