Research Associate

Wood Mackenzie Limited; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Wood Mackenzie seeks an Associate to join the Refinery monitoring research team. You will review infrared images of refineries globally, train ML models for asset prediction, and query large datasets to deliver timely insights for traders and clients.

In this hybrid role, you’ll collaborate across functions, present analysis clearly in Excel/PowerPoint, and apply your analytical mindset to enhance short-term market views while supporting process improvements.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and data interpretation.
• Experience presenting findings clearly in Excel/PowerPoint.
• Interest in commodity market dynamics and energy sectors.

Responsibilities

• Review real-time infrared images of oil refineries and petrochemical facilities.
• Train ML models to improve asset on/off predictions.
• Query large high-frequency datasets to generate insights.
• Support improvement of internal processes.
• Collaborate with colleagues to form an integrated market view.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Attention to detail

Excel

PowerPoint

English fluency

Team player

Cross-functional

Education

Engineer or economist

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Wood Mackenzie is the global leader in analytics, insights and proprietary data across the entire energy and natural resources landscape. For over 50 years our work has guided the decisions of the world’s most influential energy producers, utilities companies, financial institutions and governments. Now, with the world’s energy system more complex and interconnected than ever before, sector-specific views are no longer enough. That’s why we’ve redefined what’s possible with Intelligence Connected. By fusing our unparalleled proprietary data with the sharpest analytical minds, all supercharged by Synoptic AI, we deliver a clear, interconnected view of the entire value chain. Our trusted team of 2,700 experts across 30 countries breaks siloes and connects industries, markets and regions across the globe. This empowers our customers to identify risk sooner, spot opportunities faster and recalibrate strategy with confidence – whether planning days, weeks, months or decades ahead.

Wood Mackenzie Intelligence Connected WoodMac.com Wood Mackenzie Brand Video

Wood Mackenzie Values

• Inclusive – we succeed together
• Trusting – we choose to trust each other
• Customer committed – we put customers at the heart of our decisions
• Future Focused – we accelerate change
• Curious – we turn knowledge into action

The Role and Main Responsibilities

We are looking for an Associate to work as part of our Refinery monitoring research team. The team monitors oil refineries and Petrochemical facilities in the US, Europe and Asia, and informs clients, typically traders, of any noteworthy events (planned/unplanned maintenance, ad‑hoc events, etc.) that might impact their markets and trading positions.

Key Responsibilities

• Review real‑time infrared images to monitor different Oil Refineries and Petrochemical facilities across the globe.
• Train our machine learning models to improve the quality of their asset on/off predictions.
• Query our large datasets of high‑frequency data to proactively generate insights or/and respond to client queries.
• Support efforts to improve current internal processes.
• Connect with colleagues internally to discuss data and insights that can be useful to form an integrated view of the short‑term markets.

Your application should showcase your enthusiasm for the sectors we cover and demonstrate your ability in the following areas, which we require daily at Wood Mackenzie.

• Research and data gathering – we identify and gather intelligence that feeds our industry expertise. We need inquisitive and passionate people with a keen eye for detail.
• Analysis – we provide market‑leading research using this data/intelligence and form opinions for, and tell stories to, our customers. We need people with natural curiosity with the potential to become experts in their field and with the ability to articulate – both verbally and in writing – clear, insightful analysis.
• Internal engagement – we work with colleagues across the Wood Mackenzie business to deliver a compelling, integrated view of the natural resources sector to customers through our cutting‑edge products. For this, we need people who are as comfortable working collaboratively as they are independently and who have excellent interpersonal skills.
• External engagement – we proactively connect with our customers and contacts in the industries we serve, adding value and promoting the Wood Mackenzie brand. This requires people with the potential to become industry experts who have intellectual curiosity, passion, and excellent presentation skills.
• Continuous improvement – at Wood Mackenzie, we are committed to transforming the way we power our planet. The energy transition is here and this impacts our customer base and how we serve them. We need colleagues with a change mindset, who are flexible, growth‑orientated and proactive. This includes being innovative in the AI space.

About You

• You are an engineer or economist and will have relevant experience, skills or knowledge that you can apply to the role, allowing you to contribute to our research from day one. Your existing knowledge will enhance our coverage as you develop your career.
• Keen interest in commodity market dynamics – as someone with a keen interest in commodity market dynamics, you want to understand how these markets impact the natural resources industry and our everyday lives.
• Analytical mindset and eye for detail – your analytical mindset and attention to detail have been honed through academic and/or work experience. You're comfortable collecting and interpreting data, articulating your findings clearly, and seeking to enhance your knowledge by asking thoughtful questions.
• You have experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, which helps you present your findings in a visually compelling way.
• Highly adaptive team player – you thrive in fast‑paced environments and are excited about the opportunity to work cross‑functionally on a variety of tasks. You can work independently or as part of a team, generating ideas and striving to be the best in class.
• Excellent communication skills – Your strong command of English, both written and spoken, allows you to communicate effectively in the globalised commodity market. Fluency in an additional language would be advantageous.

Expectations

• Growth mindset – taking the initiative to learn new skills, seeking out feedback and coaching, and actively applying what has been learned in the workplace.
• Change agility – maintaining high performance through disruption and change.

We are a hybrid working company and the successful applicant will be expected to be physically present in the office at least 2 days per week to foster and contribute to a collaborative environment, but this may be subject to change in the future. This is a full‑time role.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. This means we are committed to recruiting the best people regardless of their race, colour, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability or protected veteran status. You can find out more about your rights under the law at www.eeoc.gov

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over‑achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that’s unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it’s our people. Our employees are self‑disciplined, hard working, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful. They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in the area.