Associate - PhD

Who We Are

Cornerstone Research is a leading economic and financial consulting firm with more than 900 staff members across nine offices. Working in collaboration with prominent professors and industry experts, we analyze complex economic, financial, accounting, and marketing issues that arise in litigation and regulatory investigations.

Cornerstone Research is involved in a broad variety of high-profile legal cases and disputes. Current matters focus on such topics as capital markets, business and securities valuation, M&A and corporate events, risk management, market competition, high-frequency trading, the impact of marketing on consumers, and patent infringement. For example, we address issues affecting the ongoing development of financial markets, such as applying frameworks at the intersection of finance and industrial organization economics to evaluate price setting in derivatives markets. Beyond financial markets, we address financial and economic issues arising in a range of other sectors, from such innovation-driven industries as life sciences and high technology to energy, telecommunications, and industrial markets. We address economic issues when evaluating potential mergers, claims of anticompetitive conduct, and the impact of intellectual property infringement. We also address marketing and economic issues arising in cases with allegations of misleading marketing or false claims. More detail can be found on our website: www.cornerstone.com.

Associates at Cornerstone Research

Cornerstone Research provides Associates with opportunities to use theoretical and empirical research skills gained through their graduate-level training to devise and apply innovative and rigorous analytical approaches to interesting real-world problems. The outcomes of our cases can have a direct and immediate impact on public policy and corporate strategy.

Associates play a central role in developing project strategy, conducting research, directing analysis, understanding and interpreting data and key findings, 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, manage deadlines, and mentor junior staff.

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 and an escalating compensation structure, including an industry-competitive salary and benefits package. Career development includes staying attuned to the latest academic research. Associates continue to hone their own research skills while building communications and managerial abilities. The firm supports the development of those interested in becoming testifying experts in some or all of their work, and of those not choosing that path. Either approach provides opportunities for career advancement.

Candidate Profile

We seek candidates who have pursued doctoral studies in economics, econometrics, 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 & 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.

Interested candidates

Candidates should submit a cover letter (including location preferences), resume, and job market paper. Please also email three letters of recommendation to: associate-recruiting@cornerstone.com

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.

Cornerstone Research offers a market-leading compensation and benefits package. The base salary for the Associate role with a relevant Ph.D. is $220,000. 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.