About M3: M3 is a Japanese global leader in the provision of ground-breaking and innovative technological and research solutions to the healthcare industry. The M3 Group operates in the US, Asia, and Europe with over 5.8 million physician members globally via its physician websites which include mdlinx.com, m3.com, research.m3.com, Doctors.net.uk, medigate.net, and medlive.cn. M3 Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (jp:2413, NIKKEI 225) with subsidiaries in major markets including the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, and China, and in 2020 was ranked in Forbes’ Global 2000 list. The M3 Group provides services to healthcare and the life science industry. In addition to market research, these services include medical education, ethical drug promotion, clinical development, job recruitment, and clinic appointment services. M3 has offices in Japan, UK, France, Germany, Brazil, Sweden, China, USA, and South Korea, as well as India.

This role is part of Ekas Market Research, an Australian based fieldwork agency and a wholly owned subsidiary of M3 Inc. Ekas is a leading provider of data-collection services for the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. We specialize in conducting both qualitative and quantitative market research in Australia and New Zealand. Servicing the Market Research Industry since 1971, Ekas is Australia’s largest and most experienced fieldwork and data analysis agency.

With our office in Sydney, we are in the heart of Australian Market Research. Our building is known to many Sydneysiders who come visit our onsite purpose-built research rooms and sensory testing facilities. All telephone recruiting and interviewing is also done onsite.

Role Mission

The Project Research Associate recruits qualified panellists and non-panellists for market research studies by conducting outbound and cold calls, following up with potential respondents by email, and completing desk research to identify additional candidates. The role manages assigned recruitment activity efficiently, maintains accurate records, monitors progress against project requirements, and consistently meets agreed recruitment targets, milestones, and deadlines.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (overall summary of the role):

Including, but not limited to the following:

Project Recruitment

• Recruit qualified panellists and non-panellists for allocated quantitative and qualitative research projects through outbound and cold calling, email follow-up, and online desk research to identify potential respondents and contact details.
• Clearly communicate study requirements, participation details, and next steps to potential respondents during recruitment calls.
• Promptly inform the line manager of recruitment issues, delays, or foreseeable risks that may affect project delivery, and provide relevant information to support corrective action.
• Provide relevant feedback on project feasibility and recruitment conditions using market intelligence gathered through conversations with potential respondents.
• Meet daily call-volume and recruitment strike-rate targets.
• Adhere to established phone communication quality standards and guidelines.

Panel Recruitment & Engagement

• Follow up with study participants by phone to convert them into registered panel members.
• Cold call physicians and other healthcare professionals to recruit them to the panel.
• Contact inactive panel members and invite them to participate in studies to reactivate their accounts.

Panel Support

• Provide professional support to research participants throughout the recruitment process.
• Use multiple systems to investigate and resolve issues, manage complaints, and offer appropriate solutions or alternatives.
• Collaborate with US and EU teams to resolve project-specific issues while balancing participant advocacy with company profitability.
• Build strong relationships with panel members through timely, professional communication, effective problem-solving, and creative thinking.

• Video/Camera-On Expectations: Video/camera must be on for all virtual calls, including team meetings, one-to-ones, interviews, training sessions, and client or candidate-facing calls. Alternative arrangements may be available where required and are handled confidentially through Human Resources.
• As part of job responsibilities, you are required to comply with ISO 20252:2019 and ISO 27001 standards.
• This role may occasionally require flexibility in working hours to meet project deadlines across different time zones.

Education and Training Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Minimum Experience: 

• 0-1 year of experience in a business-related environment. Market research experience desirable but not required.

Knowledge, Skill, Ability:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated knowledge of English grammar rules.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel) and quick learner of new technologies/software.
• Basic math skills, with the ability to calculate incidence rate, response rates, profit, etc.
• Interest, natural curiosity, or previous experience/exposure within the healthcare space.
• Strong critical thinking skills and initiative to improve skills and troubleshoot proactively with the PM, using all available resources to support project success.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment to successfully meet study-specific and departmental objectives.
• Self-motivated and able to (re)prioritize tasks throughout the workday.
• Exceptional time management, organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.

Company Disclaimer: This job description does not represent an all-exhaustive list of all functions and the employee may be required to perform additional duties as assigned by the manager and the company. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.

Please submit your CV in English

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