Associate - PhD

UNAVAILABLE; United States; On-site; USD 208,250 - 281,750; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Signing bonus

Discretionary bonuses

Health and wellness benefits

Family support

Job summary

Cornerstone Research seeks PhD-level economists to join our Associates team in applying rigorous research to complex disputes and regulatory investigations.

Associates develop project strategy, guide research, and interpret data, collaborating with senior staff and clients to deliver actionable insights with real-world impact.

Qualifications

• Candidates have pursued doctoral studies in economics, finance, accounting, or marketing.
• Candidates must have graduated or will be graduating in the coming year.
• Ability to apply academic research to real-world issues.

Responsibilities

• Associates develop project strategy, conduct and guide research, and direct analysis.
• They work with senior staff, clients, and experts to define objectives and mentor junior staff.
• They apply graduate-level research to real-world problems and analyze data rigorously.
• The outcomes influence public policy and corporate strategy.

Education

PhD in Economics/Finance/Accounting/Marketing

Job description

Overview

Who We Are

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting and expert testimony in all phases of complex disputes and regulatory investigations. The firm works with an extensive network of prominent academics and industry practitioners to identify the best-qualified expert for each assignment. With a reputation for high quality and effectiveness, Cornerstone Research has consistently delivered rigorous, state-of-the‑art analysis since 1989. The firm has more than 1,000 professionals in nine offices across the United States, UK, and EU.

Cornerstone Research is involved in a broad variety of high‑profile projects. Current exemplary matters include claims of anticompetitive conduct, potential mergers and the impact on market competition, the impact of intellectual property infringement, allegations of misleading marketing or false claims, allegations of manipulation of financial markets, evaluation of fair merger prices, securities litigation, claims in consumer finance, anticompetitive conduct in financial markets, labor market disputes, and corporate governance issues. We cover topics in a broad range of industries including consumer goods, life sciences, high technology, energy, telecommunications, industrial markets, banking, securities, fintech, private equity, insurance, and cryptocurrency.

More detail on Cornerstone Research and what we do can be found on our website: www.cornerstone.com.

Qualifications

Candidate Profile

We seek candidates who have pursued doctoral studies in economics, finance, accounting, or marketing, and who have graduated or will be graduating in the coming year. Candidates must have the ability to apply academic research to real-world issues. We are currently hiring in our Boston, Brussels, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Bay Area (San Francisco and Silicon Valley), and Washington, D.C., offices. Cornerstone Research will provide immigration assistance to eligible foreign nationals in accordance with the firm’s immigration policy and applicable law.

Cornerstone Research will provide visa support to full‑time candidates. If you are applying from within the US, candidates should have at least 12 months remaining of work authorization.

Interested Candidates

Candidates should submit a cover letter (including location preferences), resume, and job market paper through our careers website.

Please also email three letters of recommendation to:

Associate Talent Acquisition Manager

Email: [e-mail]

Cornerstone Research offers a market‑leading compensation and benefits package. The base salary for the Associate role with a relevant Ph.D. is $245,000 in the United States. In addition to the base salary, new Associates will be eligible for a signing bonus depending on skills, education, and experience. Associates are eligible for discretionary bonuses based on performance, firm contributions, and other factors. Previous relevant work experience will be taken into consideration in determining compensation. Information about our benefits, including health and wellness and family support, can be found on the Careers page of our website.

Cornerstone Research provides Equal Employment Opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to legally protected categories, such as age, sex, gender, gender identity, race, color, creed/religious belief, medical condition, predisposing genetic characteristics or genetic information or testing, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, military status, veteran status, arrest or conviction record (except where permitted by law), sexual orientation, ethnic background, citizen status, ancestry, national origin, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.

Avenue Louise 54, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Responsibilities

Associates at Cornerstone Research

Associates play a central role at Cornerstone Research in developing project strategy, conducting and guiding research, directing analysis, understanding and interpreting data, and proposing effective approaches to the problems faced by their teams. Associates work closely with senior staff, clients, and experts to define objectives, guide research efforts, and mentor junior staff. Associates apply theoretical and empirical research skills gained through their graduate-level training to conduct innovative and rigorous analysis to interesting real‑world problems. The outcomes of our cases regularly have a direct impact on public policy and corporate strategy.

Cornerstone Research provides an interesting and rewarding work environment. Those joining our firm enjoy long‑term career opportunities supported by our investments in their professional development. Career development includes staying attuned to the latest academic research, advancing one’s research skills, enhancing communication skills, and building managerial abilities. The firm supports the development of those interested in becoming testifying experts, and of those not choosing that path—either approach provides opportunities for career advancement. Cornerstone Research offers a market‑leading salary and benefits package with a compensation structure that escalates along the career path.