Associate

Posted

29 Sep 2026

Associate

Job Description & Qualification

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.
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.

About the Organization

Who We Are
Cornerstone Research is at the forefront of economic and financial consulting, delivering the rigorous analytical solutions required to navigate complex disputes. The firm draws from an extensive network of prominent academic and industry experts to support each matter effectively. Pairing a deep understanding of economics and finance with a suite of industry‑leading artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, Cornerstone provides clients with a sophisticated, tailored approach. A reputation for innovation, precision, and excellence has defined Cornerstone since 1989. That momentum continues with over 1,000 professionals collaborating across nine offices in the US, 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:

Additional Information

Cornerstone Research offers a market‑leading compensation and benefits package. The base salary for the Associate role with a relevant Ph.D. will be $250,000 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.