Digital Research Associate

Are you a curious, forward thinking data scientist, analyst or researcher who loves connecting the dots between data, human behavior and new analytical frameworks? APCO is seeking a Digital Research Associate to push the boundaries of what modern digital research and AI-powered intelligence can deliver to clients navigating complex communications, reputation and public affairs challenges. 

In this role, you’ll use advanced digital research, audience intelligence, and next generation AI tools to help organizations understand what matters, why it matters, and how to act. You’ll dig into the forces shaping reputation and policy—from stakeholder sentiment and elite opinion trends to issues emergence, communications and reputation measurement, risk acceleration, influencer networks, and digital community dynamics. You'll partner closely with strategists, creatives, and APCO’s engineering team to design new analytical approaches, pilot novel AI methodologies, and bring insight driven work to life. 

The ideal candidate is an analyst or researcher with strong instincts for digital patterns, comfort working with complex datasets, and genuine excitement about AI’s promise to improve research capabilities. You are a strategic thinker, a clear communicator, and someone who loves turning information into insight—and insight into action.  

Key Responsibilities 

Insight & Research 

• Conduct digital and social media analysis to analyze communications impact and uncover conversation drivers, audience behavior, influencers, risks, and opportunities for clients across multiple sectors. 
• Synthesize data into clear narratives and recommendations that inform communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, and campaign measurement. 
• Explore and test emerging AI-enabled research methods, from advanced text analytics to automated monitoring workflows. 

AI Enhanced Analysis & Technical Exploration 

• Use AI platforms (LLMs, Python-based tooling, text analytics suites, generative AI) to enhance insights and speed in client deliverables. 
• Support the development of lightweight data pipelines, agentic workflows, or automated analysis tasks that improve team efficiency. 
• Collaborate with APCO’s engineering team in Dubai to pilot new methodologies, test prototypes, and integrate new tools into client work. 

Client Partnership 

• Work directly with clients to understand challenges and translate insights into actionable strategies. 
• Operate confidently in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and quick-turn deadlines. 

• Foster strong relationships with internal teams, as well as external clients. 

  
  

Desired Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, analytics, or a related quantitative or technical field; degrees in communications or social sciences also welcomed with demonstrated analytical experience 
• 3–5 years of experience in digital analytics, media measurement, social listening, online research, or related fields, preferably in the fields of communications, media, marketing, consulting or public affairs spaces 
• Strong experience with media monitoring platforms (e.g., Talkwalker, Brandwatch, Meltwater, Sprinklr). 
• Comfortable analyzing both quantitative and qualitative datasets. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, and willingness to partner with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders 
• Curiosity and hands-on interest in AI tools, data workflows, automation, or agent development—no need to be an engineer, but genuine enthusiasm is essential, as training will be provided. 
• Strong writer and storyteller with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insight. 

Careers at APCO

Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.

EOE M/F/V/D