To reinforce our team, we are looking for a External Research Associate and Writer – Luxury Industries (0.5-0.6 FTE).

The job’s mission

IMD seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and collaborative individual to work as an External Research Associate and Writer to conduct research on the broad range of topics concerning luxury industries and/or consumer goods at large. This position is initially available for one year, with the possibility of extension. The researcher will work on different research activities, ranging from conducting desk research on firms, interviewing key stakeholders, with or without the help of the faculty, writing initial drafts under the supervision of the faculty, driving multiple concurrent research projects etc.

Key activities & responsibilities

• Conduct different stages of the research project, such as data collection, through interviews or through survey design, data analysis and writing manuscripts.
• Conduct data collection and analysis and report findings.
• Deliver high-quality output, often within tight deadlines, that is in line with the research agenda and IMD’s standards.
• Show the ability to (a) exercise independent decision making to ensure the timely progression of the project assigned and (b) work under pressure.
• Build excellent working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Managing expectations and driving the project throughout the research assignment and delivering quality output.

Ideal profile’s qualifications and skills

• Graduate degree in relevant filed, preferably focused on luxury industries
• Demonstrated interest through business experience or thesis work in luxury
• Strong research and analytical skills. Previous publication record in related areas is a plus.
• Experience with qualitative research and tools such as (NVivo, MAXQDA, Atlas.ti).
• Full professional fluency in English (written and spoken) at a native level or equivalent.
• Ability to work independently and proactively with minimum supervision.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Deadline and results oriented.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Network in luxury industry preferred.

Fixed-term contract: initially for 12 months.

• The monthly payment will be done via an umbrella company located in her/his country of residence if the candidate does not already have a self-employed status or business license.
• If the candidate is living outside of Switzerland, he/she must be willing to travel occasionally to Lausanne for meetings and working sessions with the faculty.
• The remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with the cost-of-living standards of the successful candidate’s country of residence and work experience.
• IMD will not provide any work-related visa to work in Switzerland. If residing in Switzerland, the successful candidate must already have a valid Swiss work permit or Swiss or EU-25EFTA citizenship.
• The temporary contract will be initially for 12 months

The Institute for Management Development (IMD) is an independent academic institution with Swiss roots andglobal reach, founded 75 years ago by business leaders for business leaders. Since its creation, IMD has been a pioneering force in developing leaders who transform organizations and contribute to society.

Based in Lausanne (Switzerland) and Singapore, IMD has been ranked in the Top 3 of the annual FT’s Executive Education Global Ranking for the last nine consecutive years and in the top five for 17 consecutiveyears. Our MBA and EMBA programs have repeatedly been singled out among the best in Europe and the world. We believe that this consistency at the forefront of our industry is grounded in IMD’s unique approach to creating “Real Learning. Real Impact”.

Led by an expert and diverse faculty, we strive to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide. Our purpose is “Challenging what is and inspiring what could be, we develop leaders who transform organizations and contribute to society.”