Aaru operates at the frontier of predictive intelligence, using AI to simulate and predict human behavior at scale. By generating and deploying instances of artificial intelligence that mirror humans, called agents, Aaru simulates entire populations with unprecedented accuracy. Our partners use Aaru to refine strategic positioning, identify and understand high-value audiences, validate concepts and messaging before launch, optimize pricing decisions, and build a continuously richer understanding of their customers through simulation. We provide organizations with invaluable foresight, empowering them to anticipate outcomes and proactively make the right decisions at the right time, every time.
We're a small, dedicated, mission-driven team and we intend to stay that way. We believe the best work happens when exceptionally talented people are given ownership, trust and the space to operate without bureaucratic friction. We work with urgency and intellectual honesty and expect new team members to match our velocity. We seek individuals who thrive at the frontier, who push beyond conventional limits, who bring curiosity and conviction in equal measure, and who want their work to have demonstrable impact in the world. If you're energized by the idea of a small team doing things that feel impossible, let’s build together.
As a Data Acquisitions Specialist, you will help build Aaru’s external data advantage. You will identify and secure high-value third-party datasets that make our simulations more predictive and versatile. This role is focused on sourcing: mapping the frontier of the data landscape, cultivating vendor relationships, evaluating new opportunities, and driving datasets from initial outreach through diligence and deal execution. You will work closely with research, engineering, and leadership to shape the data assets that underpin Aaru’s long-term edge.
Identify and source external datasets and proprietary sources that could materially improve Aaru’s simulations across a range of domains
Conduct outbound outreach to vendors and develop relationships with companies that may not already be actively selling data
Partner with internal teams to understand priority data needs and translate them into a targeted acquisition strategy
Coordinate sample reviews and help evaluate datasets for quality, coverage, uniqueness, usability, and likely incremental value
Compare competing providers within a category and recommend which opportunities are most differentiated and strategically attractive
Own vendor communications throughout the acquisition process, including introductory conversations, diligence, pricing discussions, and contract coordination
Conduct negotiations around licensing rights, exclusivity, trial structures, pricing, and other key commercial terms
Maintain clear records of vendor status, sample outcomes, pricing history, and reasons for pursuing or passing on opportunities
You have 3+ years of experience in data acquisitions, alternative data research, partnerships, business development, or a similar role focused on external datasets
You have a strong understanding of the alternative data ecosystem and good judgment around what makes a dataset valuable, differentiated, and difficult to replicate
You are confident conducting external outreach and building relationships with senior counterparts at data vendors and related businesses
You have strong commercial instincts and can weigh data quality, strategic importance, and price in making acquisition recommendations
You are highly organized and able to manage multiple vendor conversations, evaluations, and negotiations at once without sacrificing rigor
Have experience working with alternative data from an investing, research, marketplace, or vendor perspective
Have negotiated data licensing agreements or other commercial arrangements for third-party datasets
Have evaluated data for issues such as representativeness, methodology risk, overlap with existing sources, and likely value-add
Have worked closely with research or engineering teams to determine whether a dataset is worth testing, integrating, or purchasing
Have familiarity with privacy, compliance, and usage-rights considerations relevant to third-party data acquisition
Have a quantitative background and are comfortable performing exploratory data analysis
This role is based in New York City. Aaru is an in-person company, working 5 days a week in office. Candidates are expected to be located within the New York City metropolitan area or open to relocation..
At Aaru, we take care of our people. In addition to a competitive base salary and equity participation, we offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, visa sponsorship and relocation support, and various other benefits and perks.
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
Open job postingAbout the company
Aaru is a company focused on AI/ML talent acquisition and management. They aim to streamline the hiring process for tech roles, particularly in the AI and machine learning space.