A researcher works in the research department of an investment bank, asset management firm or other financial services company to collect, organize and synthesize data to support decision makers in the firm’s sales and trading department.
A person who works as a research assistant can become an expert in certain areas or be used as a generalist to cover a wide range of products, markets and industries.
A researcher may rise vertically to become a senior analyst or director of research, or he may move horizontally within or outside the organization.