How to apply for Research Analyst

About Animal Ask

Animal Ask is a specialized research consultancy that helps animal advocacy organizations make better strategic decisions by providing in-depth, cross-comparative analysis of interventions and policies. What sets them apart is their focus on rigorous, evidence-based research to identify the most promising opportunities for reducing animal suffering, making them a key player in the effective altruism and animal welfare movements. Working here means directly contributing to high-impact decisions that shape the priorities of major advocacy groups.

About the role

As a Research Analyst at Animal Ask, you will analyze corporate and public policy reforms to assess their impact on animal welfare, directly informing the strategic priorities of advocacy organizations. Your work will involve conducting comprehensive research, preparing detailed reports and policy briefs, and interviewing experts to synthesize diverse information into actionable insights. This role is impactful because your analyses will guide where advocacy efforts are focused, potentially leading to significant improvements for animals.

A typical day

A typical day might involve reviewing recent policy developments, conducting interviews with experts, and analyzing data to assess the impact of a proposed reform. You could spend time drafting a policy brief, collaborating with team members on a comparative analysis, or presenting findings to an advocacy organization to inform their strategy. The work is varied and intellectually demanding, with a focus on producing actionable insights.

Who Animal Ask is looking for

• Strong research and analytical skills, with experience in policy analysis, economics, or animal welfare issues.
• Excellent written communication skills, capable of producing clear, concise reports and policy briefs for diverse audiences.
• Comfortable conducting expert interviews and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines while maintaining high accuracy.

Tips for this application

• Demonstrate your understanding of Animal Ask's research approach by referencing specific projects or reports from their website in your application.
• Provide concrete examples of policy analysis you've conducted, especially those related to animal welfare or corporate reforms, highlighting your methodology and impact.
• Show your ability to synthesize complex information by summarizing a relevant policy issue in a clear, concise manner in your cover letter or resume.
• Emphasize any experience with interviewing experts or stakeholders, as this is a key responsibility in the role.
• Tailor your application to highlight how your skills align with Animal Ask's mission and the specific tasks listed in the job description, avoiding generic statements.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your motivation for working on animal welfare issues and why Animal Ask's research-driven approach resonates with you.", 'A specific example of a policy analysis you conducted, including the methods used and how it informed decision-making.', 'Your experience synthesizing information from various sources (e.g., academic papers, interviews, data sets) into actionable recommendations.', 'Your ability to communicate complex findings clearly to non-expert audiences, as demonstrated through past reports or briefs.']

Research before applying

• Explore Animal Ask's website, especially their research reports and case studies, to understand their methodology and focus areas.
• Read about the organizations they've worked with and the types of decisions their research has informed.
• Familiarize yourself with current animal welfare policy debates, such as farm animal welfare reforms or alternative protein advocacy.
• Understand the principles of effective altruism and how they apply to animal advocacy, as this likely informs Animal Ask's approach.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would assess the potential impact of a specific corporate policy reform (e.g., cage-free commitments) on animal welfare.
• Your approach to conducting expert interviews, including how you prepare and handle conflicting information.
• A time when you had to synthesize conflicting data or viewpoints into a coherent recommendation.
• Your familiarity with key animal welfare issues and the current landscape of advocacy strategies.
• How you prioritize tasks and manage deadlines when working on multiple research projects remotely.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic application that doesn't demonstrate specific knowledge of Animal Ask's work or the animal welfare sector.
• Focusing solely on academic research experience without showing how it translates to practical, decision-relevant analysis.
• Neglecting to highlight writing samples or experience producing policy briefs and reports, as these are core to the role.