Senior Research Analyst

Overview

Datenna is a fast-growing tech scale-up combining cutting-edge OSINT and AI technologies to provide governments worldwide with critical insights into China's techno-economic landscape. Our platform transforms OSINT into actionable insights on China's Defense Industrial Base and broader technological ecosystem through advanced data processing and analysis.

Do you enjoy transforming complex data into strategic insights that drive critical decisions? As a Senior China Analyst, you will lead analytical research projects for our government clients, turning their most pressing questions about China's techno-economic landscape into comprehensive, data-driven reports. Working with Customer Success Managers, you will leverage Datenna s data to uncover patterns, connections, and insights that inform high-stakes policy and security decisions.

You will independently manage client research projects from initial requirements through final delivery, conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis on China s corporate, academic, and innovation sectors. Client questions are often ambiguous—you ll navigate uncertainty, design creative analytical approaches when the path isn t obvious, and refine research directions as new information emerges. This role requires strong China expertise, the ability to work autonomously, and excellent communication skills to present complex findings to senior government stakeholders.

• Lead end-to-end analytical research projects that answer clients  critical questions about entities and trends within China s corporate, academic, and innovation landscape.
• Partner with Customer Success Managers to translate client needs into well-scoped research approaches, providing analytical expertise to shape project design.
• Develop novel analytical frameworks and approaches when standard methodologies don t fit the client question—combine disparate data sources in creative ways to unlock insights that aren t immediately obvious.
• Conduct data-driven qualitative and quantitative research by synthesizing and analyzing data from Datenna s platform to identify patterns, connections, and insights.
• Work with Analysts on select projects, reviewing their work and guiding their research approach.
• Create client-ready written reports that present complex findings in clear, actionable formats for government decision-makers.
• Present research findings directly to clients, explaining analytical approaches and responding to questions about methodology and implications.

• Experience: 3-8 years of professional experience in China-focused research, analysis, or related fields.

• Deep China expertise: Strong knowledge of Chinese industry, economy, policies, and innovation ecosystem, ideally gained through think tank or research experience.

• Analytical excellence: Exceptional pattern-recognition and analytical skills to connect the dots between corporate, state, and military actors in China s techno-economic landscape.

• Comfort with ambiguity: Proven ability to tackle research questions where the analytical path isn t predetermined, designing creative approaches and adapting as you learn.

• Chinese language proficiency: Reading proficiency in Chinese (minimum HSK5) to work with Chinese-language sources and company information as needed.

• Self-directed project management: Proven ability to independently break down complex research questions, manage multi-week projects, and deliver high-quality output with minimal oversight.

• Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication abilities; comfortable presenting complex analysis to senior government stakeholders and refining requirements through client dialogue.

• Methodological versatility: Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Technical

Skills:

• Working knowledge of at least one data analysis tool (Python, R, SQL) or demonstrated ability to work with large datasets.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in the innovation, science, and technology sector within governmental organizations, think tanks, or international corporate settings.
• Background conducting research for external clients or stakeholders.

Please note that applicants may be subject to a screening process.

• Work on globally impactful projects in geopolitical intelligence
• Lead innovation in OSINT and AI technologies
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Dynamic, international team environment
• Significant growth opportunities in a scale-up

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