What is a Research Analyst at Elsevier?

As a Research Analyst at Elsevier, you sit at the intersection of data science, academic publishing, and strategic consulting. Elsevier is a global leader in information and analytics, and this role is pivotal in transforming vast amounts of scholarly data into actionable insights for universities, funding bodies, and government agencies. You are not just processing numbers; you are helping the global research community understand trends, identify excellence, and shape the future of science.

Your work will primarily support flagship products like Scopus, SciVal, and Pure. By analyzing citation patterns, collaboration networks, and research output, you provide the evidence-based narratives that help institutions benchmark their performance and secure funding. This role is critical because the insights you generate directly influence the strategic direction of global research ecosystems and the development of Elsevier’s analytical tools.

The position demands a unique blend of technical proficiency and domain expertise. You will be expected to navigate complex datasets with precision while maintaining a deep understanding of the scientific publishing landscape. Whether you are working on bespoke reports for high-level stakeholders or contributing to internal product improvements, your contributions ensure that Elsevier remains the gold standard for research intelligence.

Common Interview Questions

Expect a mix of behavioral questions and technical deep dives. The goal is to see how you think and how you apply your skills to the specific context of Elsevier.

Data Literacy & Problem Solving

These questions test your ability to navigate data challenges and your logical approach to analysis.

• Walk me through a complex data project you managed from start to finish.
• How do you ensure the quality of your data when working with large, messy datasets?
• If you were asked to measure the "innovation" of a university using only publication data, which metrics would you use?
• Describe a time you found an insight in the data that contradicted the client's initial hypothesis.
• How do you handle a request for an analysis when the necessary data is unavailable or incomplete?

Behavioral & Cultural Fit

We want to know how you work within a team and how you handle the pressures of a client-facing analytical role.

• Why are you interested in the intersection of data analytics and scientific publishing?
• Describe a time you had to manage multiple competing deadlines. How did you prioritize?
• Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a team member over a technical approach. How did you resolve it?
• How do you stay updated on trends in data science and the research landscape?
• Give an example of a time you went above and beyond to deliver value to a stakeholder.

Domain-Specific Questions

These questions assess your understanding of the research ecosystem and Elsevier’s place within it.

• What do you think are the biggest challenges facing research institutions today?
• How would you explain the value of the Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) to a researcher who only cares about their total citation count?
• What are the pros and cons of using quantitative metrics to evaluate research quality?
• How familiar are you with Elsevier’s analytical products like SciVal or Scopus?

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for the Research Analyst role requires a dual focus on your technical data skills and your ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences. At Elsevier, we value candidates who can go beyond "what" the data says and explain "why" it matters for the research community.

Data Literacy & Analytical Rigor – This is the foundation of the role. Interviewers evaluate your ability to clean, manipulate, and interpret data accurately. You should demonstrate a methodical approach to problem-solving and a keen eye for detail to ensure data integrity.

Domain Expertise – You must understand the academic and research lifecycle. This includes knowledge of bibliometrics, citation impact, and the challenges facing modern researchers and institutions. Demonstrating familiarity with Elsevier’s analytical products will significantly strengthen your candidacy.

Communication & Stakeholder Management – A Research Analyst must translate technical findings into clear, compelling narratives. You will be assessed on your ability to present data visually and verbally, ensuring that insights are accessible to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Cultural Alignment – Elsevier thrives on collaboration and a commitment to advancing science. We look for individuals who are curious, proactive, and capable of working effectively within global, cross-functional teams.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for the Research Analyst position is designed to be thorough but transparent, focusing on both your technical capabilities and your fit within the team culture. You can expect a process that typically spans three main stages, often conducted over several weeks to ensure alignment with key team members across different time zones.

The journey begins with an initial screening to align on basic requirements and motivations. This is followed by more intensive rounds that dive into your analytical mindset and strategic thinking. A distinctive feature of our process is the test assignment, which is designed to simulate a real-world task you would encounter in the role. This assignment is not a "trick" test but a genuine evaluation of your data literacy and your ability to derive meaningful conclusions from a dataset.

The timeline above illustrates the standard progression from the initial recruiter call to the final team interview. Candidates should be prepared for a process that may take between four to eight weeks, depending on the availability of the hiring committee. Use the period between rounds to refine your understanding of Elsevier’s research intelligence products and to practice articulating your analytical methodology.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Data Literacy & Technical Execution

This area is the core of the Research Analyst evaluation. We need to see that you can handle data with confidence and precision. This is typically assessed through the test assignment and follow-up technical discussions.

Be ready to go over:

• Data Cleaning and Preparation – How you handle missing values, outliers, and inconsistent formatting in a dataset.
• Quantitative Analysis – Your proficiency with tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, or R to extract insights.
• Accuracy and Validation – The steps you take to double-check your work and ensure the "source of truth" is maintained.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk us through the steps you took to clean the dataset provided in the assignment."
• "How would you handle a situation where two primary data sources provide conflicting citation counts for the same institution?"
• "Explain a time when you identified a significant error in a report just before it was delivered."

Strategic Research Insights

As an analyst, you must understand the "big picture" of the research world. We evaluate your ability to apply bibliometric concepts to real-world institutional challenges.

Be ready to go over:

• Bibliometric Indicators – Understanding metrics like h-index, Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI), and plum analytics.
• Research Trends – Identifying emerging fields of study or shifts in global research collaboration.
• Competitive Benchmarking – How to compare the research performance of different entities fairly.

Advanced concepts (less common):

• Knowledge of Open Access (OA) trends and their impact on citation metrics.
• Familiarity with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how research maps to them.
• Understanding of university ranking methodologies (e.g., THE, QS).

Communication & Presentation

Your insights are only valuable if they lead to action. We look for analysts who can tell a story with data and influence decision-makers.

Be ready to go over:

• Data Visualization – Your ability to create clear, impactful charts and dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Excel.
• Executive Summaries – Distilling complex analyses into 3-5 key takeaways for senior leadership.
• Verbal Articulation – Explaining your methodology and findings clearly during the interview without relying on jargon.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Present the findings of your test assignment as if you were speaking to a University Provost."
• "How do you decide which visualization type is best for representing institutional growth over ten years?"
• "Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical concept to a non-technical stakeholder."

Key Responsibilities

As a Research Analyst, your primary responsibility is the delivery of high-quality analytical reports and insights. You will work closely with Elsevier’s global consulting and product teams to support institutional clients. This involves extracting data from our proprietary databases, performing rigorous analysis, and synthesizing the results into professional presentations or white papers.

You will also play a key role in product development by providing feedback on how analytical tools like SciVal are used in practice. This feedback loop ensures that our products continue to meet the evolving needs of the research community. On a daily basis, you might find yourself:

• Querying the Scopus database to identify top-performing researchers in a specific geographic region.
• Building automated dashboards to track research output and impact for a government funding body.
• Collaborating with Product Managers to define new features for research benchmarking tools.
• Presenting custom analysis to university leadership to help them understand their global standing.

The role is highly collaborative, requiring regular interaction with data scientists, subject matter experts, and account managers. You are the "analytical engine" that powers the strategic conversations Elsevier has with its most important partners.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

A successful Research Analyst candidate brings a mix of technical skill, academic curiosity, and professional polish. While we value diverse backgrounds, there are several core competencies that are essential for success in this role.

Technical Skills

• Must-have: Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, VBA is a plus) and experience with data visualization tools.
• Must-have: Strong foundational knowledge of SQL for data extraction.
• Nice-to-have: Experience with Python or R for automated data analysis and statistical modeling.
• Nice-to-have: Familiarity with bibliometric tools and databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, or Dimensions.

Experience and Education

• Must-have: A degree in a quantitative or research-oriented field (e.g., Social Sciences, Economics, Data Science, or Library Science).
• Must-have: Prior experience in an analytical role, preferably within academia, publishing, or professional services.
• Nice-to-have: An advanced research degree (Master’s or PhD) and a solid understanding of the peer-review and publication process.

Soft Skills

• Critical Thinking: The ability to look at a dataset and ask the right questions to uncover hidden patterns.
• Attention to Detail: A "zero-mistake" mindset when it comes to reporting numbers to clients.
• Adaptability: Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift based on client needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How technical is the Research Analyst role? The role is highly analytical but not necessarily a "developer" role. You need to be an expert in data manipulation and visualization. While Python and R are beneficial, the focus is on the insight and the narrative rather than building complex software.

Q: What is the most important thing to demonstrate during the interview? Data literacy and clarity of thought. We look for people who don't just "run the numbers" but understand the context behind them and can communicate that context effectively to others.

Q: How long does the hiring process typically take? As mentioned, it can take up to two months. Because our teams are global, scheduling interviews with all key stakeholders can take time. Patience and consistent follow-up are encouraged.

Q: Is there a specific format required for the test assignment? Usually, you are given a dataset and a set of questions. You can use the tools you are most comfortable with, but the final output should be a clear, professional presentation or report that a stakeholder can easily understand.

Other General Tips

• Understand the Elsevier Ecosystem: Before your interview, spend time looking at Elsevier's Research Intelligence website. Understand the difference between a database (Scopus) and an analytical tool (SciVal).
• Master the "STAR" Method: For behavioral questions, use the Situation, Task, Action, and Result framework. At Elsevier, we especially value the "Result"—make sure to quantify the impact of your work.
• Be Prepared for the "Why Elsevier?" Question: We are a mission-driven company. Be ready to talk about why you want to contribute to the advancement of science and health.

• Show Your Curiosity: Ask thoughtful questions about the team's current challenges, the types of projects they are most excited about, and how the role contributes to the company's long-term strategy.
• Focus on Data Storytelling: During the technical rounds, don't just show your code or your spreadsheets. Explain the story the data is telling and why that story is important for the intended audience.

Summary & Next Steps

The Research Analyst position at Elsevier is a rewarding role for those who are passionate about data and the global research landscape. It offers the opportunity to work with world-class datasets and contribute to insights that have a tangible impact on the scientific community. By demonstrating a balance of technical rigor, domain expertise, and clear communication, you can position yourself as a top-tier candidate.

Your preparation should center on mastering the data literacy test, refining your understanding of bibliometrics, and practicing your ability to translate data into strategic narratives. Remember that the interviewers are looking for a future colleague who is not only capable but also curious and collaborative.

The salary for this role is competitive and varies based on location and experience level. In addition to base compensation, Elsevier offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional development within the broader RELX group. When considering the offer, look at the total value, including the impact of the work and the stability of a global leader in information analytics. For more detailed insights and to connect with others who have interviewed at Elsevier, explore the resources available on Dataford. Good luck with your preparation—we look forward to seeing the insights you bring to the table.