Research Associate
Cook M&A Advisory Services
Cook M&A Advisory Services - Research Associate Position About Cook M&A Advisory Services Founded in 1996, Cook M&A Advisory Services partners with private equity groups to streamline the acquisition process and execute investment strategies that drive proprietary deals. As one of the leading buy-side M&A advisory firms in the industry, we serve as a true intermediary— conducting research to identify acquisition targets, performing origination/connecting with business owners, and supporting both our private equity clients and target companies. Our team is dedicated to creating long-term value for our clients by identifying strategic acquisition targets with significant growth potential and facilitating a seamless transaction experience. (PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE ONLY LOOKING FOR APPLICANTS IN CHICAGOLAND or the surrounding area, this job is on-site, not remote. If you are planning to move to Chicago please note that when you send in your application and send a cover letter noting you are relocating to be considered for this position) Position Overview - PLEASE READ ENTIRE JOB DESCRIPTION and ONLY apply if interested in qualitative research on companies. The Research Associate plays a critical role in supporting Cook M&A’s client engagements by conducting detailed industry and company research to identify qualified acquisition targets. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals across the firm to contribute directly to the success of our private equity clients and target companies. This role specializes in market research and qualitative company assessment (this isn't a financial modeling position; it is market mapping and qualifying companies for potential acquisition), It involves driving insights through a proprietary process and the use of unstructured data. We are seeking a motivated individual with strong analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and a collaborative mindset who is eager to build a lasting career in M&A research and advisory services. Responsibilities Engage with clients and internal teams to understand investment criteria, industry focus, and project goals through a process-oriented mindset. Conduct in-depth market and industry research across a wide range of sectors, analyzing market size, trends, major players, M&A activity, competition, risks, and growth drivers. Source, organize, and synthesize information from multiple databases and public/private sources to develop comprehensive market insights. Identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets that align with specific client objectives, using both qualitative and quantitative criteria (e.g., company size, ownership, headquarters, business model, products/services, and end markets served). Maintain accurate and current information in the firm’s CRM system and research tools. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality research and analysis. Collaborate closely with team members and leadership to support the overall success of each client engagement. Participate, contribute, and collaborate on department and company-level process initiatives to drive continuous improvement and efficiencies. Desired Skills and Attributes Self-starter with a hands-on, proactive approach and strong sense of accountability. Naturally curious and strong critical thinking skills with the ability to evaluate complex information and draw sound conclusions. Excellent written skills and effective presentation and communication skills, capable of translating research insights clearly for internal teams and client stakeholders. Professional presence and confidence in interacting with executives, originators, managing directors, and private equity investors. Strong organizational and time management abilities with demonstrated adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift, while consistently maintaining high productivity and attention to detail. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and online research tools. Experience with CRM systems and research/financial databases (e.g., Grata, SourceScrub, ZoomInfo, PitchBook, Capital IQ, Bloomberg). Demonstrates sound judgment, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions. Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment that values teamwork and initiative. Resourceful & creative problem-solving abilities. Requirements In-office/non-remote Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Reporting Reports directly to the Director of Research . Why Join Cook M&A At Cook M&A, you’ll be part of a highly collaborative, growth-oriented team where your work directly contributes to the success of our clients and firm. We invest in the professional development of our team members and provide a dynamic environment that encourages continuous learning, innovation, and long-term career growth within the organization. Featured benefits Medical insurance Vision insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Paid paternity leave Paid maternity leave #J-18808-Ljbffr
- ...deliverables end-to-end (briefs, filings, internal docs, external materials). Support new product and entity launches through research, documentation, and coordination. Interface with regulators, vendors, and partners to gather information and move processes forward...SuggestedWork at office
$160k - $170k
...for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.As a sell-side Research Associate, you will assemble and validate data on quality growth companies and conduct fundamental research and analyses on industry...SuggestedTemporary workWork at office- ...Position Details Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Scholar Position Number: 8150368 Work Modality: Full-Time Is this request for the creation of a new Position (or the modification of an existing Position) to temporarily support the WorkDay ERP?: Yes Job Category: University...SuggestedHourly payFull timeWork experience placementFlexible hours
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...universities, recognized for its academic excellence, commitment to community engagement, and leadership in sustainability. A Carnegie R1 research institution, Loyola leverages its status as one of an elite group of universities with the highest level of research activity to...SuggestedHourly payFull timeTraineeshipWork experience placementWork at office$65k - $70k
...Research Associate Position Details Compensation: $65,000 to $70,000 annually, commensurate with experience Position Type/Schedule: Full time, exempt. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional weekend work may be required. This position is...SuggestedFull timeContract workCasual workWork at officeRemote workMonday to FridayFlexible hours$60k - $75k
...Research Associate The Research Associate is responsible for the execution of individual research projects, reports and memos. Candidates with a strong working knowledge of LexisNexis and other research tools preferred. Attention to detail, time management skills and...InternshipLocal areaWeekend workAfternoon shift$50k - $52k
...Position: Research Associate – Neurodegeneration/Neuroscience Type: Full-Time Salary: $50,000 – $52,000 per year (based on experience) Location: Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Therapeutics, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU), RFU Campus...Full timeTemporary workFlexible hours$80k
...Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is seeking candidates for a full-time research associate position. The State of Local News Project works to study the media landscape of the United States, and its findings and data...Full timeWork at officeLocal area$80k - $125k
...allows each person to achieve personal success and add value to our teams and communities.We are currently looking for an Equity Research Associate to join our Technology - Enterprise Software group at our Portland, OR, Minneapolis, MN or Chicago, IL offices....Full time$120k - $130k
Solutions for Today’s Challenges. Vision for Tomorrow’s Opportunities.Join William Blair, the Premier Global Partnership.The Senior Research Associate will support senior analysts in covering the global technology sector across hardware, software, semiconductors, and...Temporary workWork at office$160k - $270k
...College of Medicine Peoria (UICOMP) seeks a dynamic and qualified individual to join our team as a Health Services Research Faculty member at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor level. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in...TraineeshipWork at office$95k - $108k
The Senior Research Associate leads innovative pilot studies exploring wellness technologies in senior living communities, including sleep, brain health, and posture/balance tools (e.g., Whoop wearable tracker). This full‑time, salaried position requires flexibility to...Full timeTemporary workWork at office3 days per week$91.34k - $114.17k
Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - ChicagoICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility,...Full timeLocal area- The University of Chicago is hiring a Research Associate to provide technical support for social cognition and related research projects in the SSD Psychology department. The role emphasizes ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies and assisting...
- Morningstar Research Services LLC in Chicago is seeking an Associate Analyst on the Equity Strategies team within Manager Research to deliver objective, independent research on funds and other investment vehicles, while developing broader investment expertise with a focus...Work at office
- Piper Sandler is seeking an Equity Research Associate to join the Technology - Enterprise Software group. This role supports the senior analyst in researching companies and industries, building financial models, and delivering investment insights. Offices in Chicago, IL...
- Rush University Medical Center seeks a Lab Research Assistant 2 to perform complex laboratory procedures with limited supervision and support high-quality research outputs. The role includes specimen processing, data documentation, and protocol refinement within the Orthopedic...
$53k - $56k
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Department of Pediatrics Hiring Department: Department of Pediatrics Location: Chicago, IL USA Posting Close Date: 09.12.2026 Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $53,000 to $56,000. Final salary offered will be determined...Worldwide- Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Computational Biology and/or Bioinformatics - Qiu Lab Chicago, IL, United States 1041635 Posted on: 6/9/2026 - Application Deadline: 9/5/2026 Postdoctoral Research Associate in AI for Computational Biology and/or Bioinformatics...Work at officeWorldwide
- Piper Sandler invites applications for an Equity Research Associate in its Technology - Enterprise Software group, with offices in Chicago, Portland, or Minneapolis. You will work with a senior analyst to research companies, build financial models, and prepare investment...
- William Blair is seeking a Senior Research Associate to support senior analysts in covering the global technology sector, including hardware, software, semiconductors, and communications services. The role offers cross-functional exposure across business models, geographies...
$110.52k - $138.15k
Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology Phase I - ChicagoICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration...Full timeInterim roleLocal areaRemote work$96.2k - $151.4k
...contact and site manager throughout all phases of a clinical research study, taking overall responsibility of allocated sites.Actively... ...Local Laws & Regulations, Protocol, Site Monitoring Plan and associated documents.Gains an in-depth understanding of the study protocol...Full timeFor contractorsLocal areaRemote workFlexible hours2 days per week3 days per week$110.52k - $138.15k
Senior Clinical Research Associate - Cardio (Smart Pulse A-fib) - All RegionsICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.As a values-driven organisation, integrity...Full time$91.34k - $114.17k
...Clinical Research Associate- Mid-WestICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to patients faster.As a values-driven organisation, integrity, collaboration, agility, and inclusion...- ...Job Title Responsible for providing Clinical Research support for all clinical trials. Job Information Date Opened 12/14/2023 Job Type: Full time Industry: Pharma/Biotech/Clinical Research Work Experience: 1-3 years City: Chicago State/Province...Full timeWork experience placement
- ...Clinical Research Associate To be eligible for this position, you must reside in the same country where the job is located. Perform monitoring and site management work to ensure that sites are conducting the study(ies) and reporting study data as required by the study...Local area
- Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - Chicago ICON plc is a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organization. We’re proud to foster an inclusive environment driving innovation and excellence, and we welcome you to join us on our mission to...Local areaVisa sponsorshipFlexible hours
$25 - $28 per hour
...holidays Profit sharing Retirement plan The Clinical Research Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting clinical... ...REQUIREMENTS High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate's degree or higher in a related field (biology, psychology,...Full timeImmediate startMonday to Friday- ...ICON plc is seeking a Clinical Research Associate I in Chicago, IL to support clinical trial monitoring across Central/Mid-West regions. You will work with the team to deliver high-quality outcomes, set up studies, monitor progress, and prepare study documentation. Required...
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