Research Innovation & Infrastructure Specialist

Control Risks; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Control Risks in Madrid seeks a Research Innovation & Infrastructure Specialist to drive its innovation agenda at the intersection of data, AI and commercial strategy. You will lead structured experiments and oversee research infrastructure to keep systems efficient and aligned with business needs.

You will collaborate across research, technology and commercial teams, set governance standards, monitor technology trends, and translate innovation into practical outcomes.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in research operations, data strategy, innovation management, or related roles.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in information management, data science, research methods or business intelligence.
• Experience managing or implementing research infrastructure, data platforms or pilots.
• Proven experience in project management within research or innovation environments.
• Strong understanding of AI, automation and data analytics in research contexts.
• Ability to translate technical innovation into commercial and operational outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Innovation Leadership: assess AI, automation and emerging tech on due diligence and research methodologies.
• Structured Experimentation: design tests and pilots for new tools and technologies.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: align infrastructure with business priorities across teams.
• Governance and Best Practice: establish standards and governance for tools and data usage.
• Market Scanning and Insights: monitor tech trends and regulatory developments affecting research.

Skills

Project management

AI & data analytics

Stakeholder communication

Innovation management

Research operations

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in information management / data science / research methods / business intelligence

Job description

Role purpose

The Research Innovation & Infrastructure Specialist will own and advance the implementation of VANTAGE’s strategic innovation and infrastructure agenda. This role sits at the intersection of research methodology, technology, and commercial strategy — driving how the organization adapts to the evolving landscape of data, AI, and automation. The Specialist will lead structured experimentation with emerging tools, oversee the evaluation and optimization of research infrastructure, and ensure all systems, data sources, and processes remain relevant, efficient, and commercially aligned.

Role tasks and responsibilities

• Innovation Leadership: Assess and interpret the impact of AI, automation, and emerging technologies on due diligence and research methodologies, identifying opportunities for innovation and methodological evolution.
• Structured Experimentation: Design and lead structured testing, pilot programs, and evaluations of new research tools, systems, and technologies to validate effectiveness and commercial applicability.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with research, technology, and commercial teams to align infrastructure and innovation initiatives with business priorities, ensuring seamless integration into workflows.
• Governance and Best Practice: Establish standards, documentation, and governance frameworks for research tools, data usage, and infrastructure evolution.
• Market Scanning and Insights: Maintain a forward-looking perspective on technology trends, data ecosystems, and regulatory developments that could impact research practices or infrastructure strategy.

• Education to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree level. Ideally in in a related field (E.g. information management, data science, research methods, business intelligence)
• 5+ years’ experience in research operations, data strategy, innovation management, or related roles within professional services, consulting, or research environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing or implementing research infrastructure, data platforms, or emerging technology pilots.
• Proven experience in project management within research, operational, or innovation-focused environment.
• Strong understanding of AI, automation, and data analytics applications in research or due diligence contexts.
• Proven ability to translate technical innovation into commercial and operational outcomes.
• Prior experience working in the due diligence/compliance field would be beneficial.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively across diverse teams.

• Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarised in the full job offer.
• We operate a discretionary global bonus scheme that incentivises, and rewards individuals based on company and individual performance.
• Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasise the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.
• Working with our clients, from day one our people are given direct responsibility, career development and the opportunity to work collaboratively on fascinating projects in a rewarding and inclusive global environment.
• The Company is committed to further its diversity, inclusion and equity agenda and as an employee you have access to various business resource groups in the Company including the Company’s LGBT+ network called MOSAIC, the Women’s Network, and Synergy - a people network to celebrate and promote ethnic diversity at Control Risks

Control Risks is committed to a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made in order to participate fully in the interview process, please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate your needs.