Research Associate - Alloys

Wood Mackenzie is the global leader in analytics, insights and proprietary data across the entire energy and natural resources landscape.

For over 50 years our work has guided the decisions of the world’s most influential energy producers, utilities companies, financial institutions and governments.

Now, with the world’s energy system more complex and interconnected than ever before, sector-specific views are no longer enough. That’s why we’ve redefined what’s possible with Intelligence Connected.

By fusing our unparalleled proprietary data with the sharpest analytical minds, all supercharged by Synoptic AI, we deliver a clear, interconnected view of the entire value chain. Our trusted team of 2,700 experts across 30 countries breaks siloes and connects industries, markets and regions across the globe.

This empowers our customers to identify risk sooner, spot opportunities faster and recalibrate strategy with confidence – whether planning days, weeks, months or decades ahead.

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Role Purpose

Based in Edinburgh, this role sits within a global team of steel alloys experts.

Steel is set to play a pivotal role in the global energy transition, underpinning solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and dams. Within this, alloy and stainless steel are seeing strong growth across automotive, batteries, aerospace, and specialised machinery, while bulk and noble alloys are benefiting from parallel growth in non-ferrous applications.

For stakeholders across mining, steelmaking, automotive, and finance, understanding these evolving trends is essential to managing risk and identifying opportunity in a shifting market.

The Research Associate will support this by applying strong analytical skills to strengthen Wood Mackenzie's research and client offering.

The role involves developing a deep understanding of client needs and producing well-researched, clearly written analysis as part of a regular publication schedule.

This is a split role, covering:

• Steel alloy markets — supply, demand, and pricing for molybdenum
• Steel alloy assets — chromium extractive and refining assets

Main Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities: Molybdenum Markets

• Contribute to comprehensive coverage of the Noble Steel Alloys sector, authoring differentiated analysis and thought leadership on molybdenum supply, demand, and pricing.
• Build and maintain industry relationships to gather intelligence and strengthen the quality and timeliness of our research.
• Maintain and refresh analytical models with updated data, and support sales, marketing, and consultancy activities alongside colleagues across steel and non-ferrous metals.

Main Responsibilities: Chromium Assets

• Conduct detailed financial and operational Excel-based modelling of chromium extractive and refining assets, covering a portfolio of 100+ assets.
• Deliver structured, quarterly updates, assessing mines and refineries together by company.
• Conduct desktop research and engage directly with clients to source data, given limited public information, maintaining model accuracy.

About You

• You are degree-qualified in a relevant discipline (Economics, Business, Mining, Geology, Metallurgy, Engineering etc.).
• You have 1-2 years’ experience in research, ideally in the metals and mining sector. Your previous experience could include generating forecasts for supply, demand, prices, and trade. You may also have experience with mines, smelters/refineries, traders, or other users of steel alloys and experience with their operations.
• You understand the big picture, which enables you to analyse and form clear, coherent conclusions from a variety of data and information. You can communicate complex or technical information and deliver messages that are easily understood. You thrive in a collaborative, commercial and client-centric environment. 
• You have a high understanding of the Microsoft Office suite of products. You are already / are open to exploring ways in which AI can enhance your analysis.
• You are thoughtful, intellectually curious, creative, and comfortable presenting to groups of people.
• You have a proven track record of fostering strong working relationships, developing networks, and influencing others. The way you work is productive and driven, striving to be the best in class. You often share ideas, find better ways of working, and make things happen.

Expectations

Key capabilities:

• Planning and prioritising - aligning our efforts to organisational goals and priorities.
• Ownership and accountability - delivering on our commitments and owning the outcome.
• Commitment to action - making timely decisions and taking action.
• Continuous improvement - continuously striving for better in all we do.

We are a hybrid working company and the successful applicant will be expected to be physically present in the office at least 2 days per week to foster and contribute to a collaborative environment, but this may be subject to change in the future.

While this is expected to be a full-time role, part-time or flexible working arrangements will be considered.

Due to the global nature of the team, a degree of flexible working will be required to accommodate different time zones.

Applicants must have the legal Right to Work in the country this role is based in. We are currently unable to sponsor employment visas.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. This means we are committed to recruiting the best people regardless of their race, colour, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, disability or protected veteran status. You can find out more about your rights under the law at www.eeoc.gov