Senior Research Director at IDC – Needham, Massachusetts

About the Role & Team

IDC is seeking a Senior Research Director to join our established worldwide artificial intelligence, data and automation (AD&A) research domain to focus on agentic AI tools and platforms. The candidate will have to demonstrate deep existing knowledge of both the existing and future capabilities across all types of agentic AI tools and platforms, including those that can build, manage, orchestrate and govern AI agents for use in the enterprise. The candidate will also collaborate with other analysts covering adjacent technologies including other forms of AI and Automation technologies. Research will include understanding market drivers and trends, buying behaviors, and the business value impact of these technologies. The candidate will employ IDC research methodologies to size markets and forecast market growth.

What You’ll Do

• Identify key market trends in agentic AI, as well as broader AI technology and market developments.
• Analyze competitive market strategies and conduct market segment and sizing studies.
• Contribute to ongoing research to analyze trends in these segments, including the competitive strategy and financial performance of technology providers, and end user demand for those offers.
• Provide industry expertise for client-facing engagements and client inquiries.
• Partner with sales and drive incremental revenue through subscription and custom solutions for our AD&A group.
• Utilize knowledge of key digital transformation drivers as well as key enterprise IT challenges in software development, business automation, integration, and AI (predictive, interpretive, and generative).
• Respond to client requests for market/competitive data across these agentic AI tool and platform technology markets.
• Collaborate with other analysts, particularly in other AI research areas, in creating research documents and forecasts.
• Presenting to senior management including C-Level executives across the domain as well as interviewing/interacting with a wide range of IT and technology vendor decision-makers and senior level audience.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Practitioner experience working in a technical and/or business transformation capacity implementing AI projects.
• First-hand experience using AI tools is a strong plus.
• Strong knowledge of the overall AI technology sector is required, along with the ability to analyze trends and provide actionable guidance to technology providers and buyers. Direct experience in this area is ideal.
• Up-to-date knowledge of innovations in large language models and the AI industry more broadly.
• Knowledge of AI deployment models and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze survey data and provide clear, concise summaries and recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyze, present, and articulate complex data sets.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the capacity to work both independently and within a team.
• Proven ability to read and evaluate financial reports to analyze key drivers that impact companies’ ability to differentiate and remain competitive.
• Ability to travel 25-30% for client meetings, industry events, and customer projects.
• This role offers the flexibility to work remotely from an approved U.S. location, or onsite at our corporate office in Boston, MA.

Why This Role Stands Out
At IDC, your work helps shape how the world understands technology and where it goes next. You collaborate with curious, high-caliber colleagues who value rigor, integrity, and shared success. As the premier global provider of trusted technology intelligence, IDC equips business and technology leaders with the evidence they need to make confident decisions. Our insights inform strategy, investment, and innovation across industries and regions.

Recognized by IIAR as Analyst Firm of the Year for five consecutive years, IDC sets the standard for credibility and impact. With more than 1,000 analysts worldwide and a truly global perspective, we combine deep expertise with practical relevance. Here, your ideas matter, your voice is heard, and your contributions provide the insights leaders rely on every day. It is meaningful work, backed by a culture that supports growth, collaboration, and long-term career development with a globally respected brand.

What We Offer

• 15 vacation days (prorated based on start date)
• 12 company-paid holidays
• 6 paid sick days (prorated based on start date; may vary by state)
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 2 floating holidays (prorated based on start date)
• 1 volunteer day
• 401(k) company match (IDC matches 3% on the first 6% of employee contributions)
• Company-paid short-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
  
• Company-paid parental leave
  

Compensation Transparency

At IDC, we are committed to fair and equitable pay practices. Employees are compensated equitably for their work, aligned with their skills and experience. Salary and incentive structures are determined through a rigorous process that considers experience, education, certifications, role-specific requirements, internal equity, and verified U.S. market data from an independent third-party partner.

The expected total annual compensation, depending on location and experience, is between $150,000 – $180,000, inclusive of base salary and variable compensation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IDC is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified persons. Employment eligibility verification required. We participate in E-Verify.