AI Researcher

About the role

Cognizant is seeking an exceptional AI Researcher to join our AI Market Unit Strategy team. This role is primarily about producing and publishing original Cognizant research and point of view on enterprise AI-led transformation.

Responsibilities

• Research & Publication
  • Design and execute primary research studies on enterprise AI-led transformation, AI adoption, and business impact, using rigorous quantitative and qualitative methods.
    • Write and publish white papers, industry reports, articles, and executive point-of-view content that define Cognizant's narrative on enterprise AI-led transformation.
      • Maintain a personal publication record and represent Cognizant's research agenda and point of view at conferences, symposia, and analyst events.
        • Build and maintain proprietary research assets — benchmarks, maturity models, adoption indices — that give Cognizant's published point of view a distinct, evidence-based edge.

• Point of View for Analyst Relations
  • Develop the research, data, and point of view that Cognizant's analyst relations team uses in briefings and inquiries with Gartner, Forrester, IDC, Everest Group, and peers.
    • Track and interpret the latest AI trends — model releases, agentic systems, regulatory shifts — and translate them into a clear, current Cognizant point of view.

• Informing Offerings & Solutions
  • Share research findings and market trends with offering and solution teams so new offerings are grounded in evidence.
    • Flag where enterprise AI adoption gaps suggest an opportunity for Cognizant to build or extend an offering.

Qualifications

• Experience & Background
  • 8+ years of experience as a researcher or analyst producing published research — prior experience at a research or analyst firm such as Gartner, IDC, Forrester, or a research role at a consultancy such as McKinsey is strongly preferred.

• A demonstrable publication record — white papers, industry reports, articles, or research notes — showing the ability to produce original, evidence-based research and write it up for a business audience.
  • Comfort operating as an individual researcher: owning a research agenda, running studies, and publishing under your own byline or firm's name.

• Experience researching across at least two industries (e.g., BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, retail).

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, AI/ML, Data Science, Statistics, Business, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent industry research experience).

Skills & Competencies

• Deep fluency in AI/ML concepts, generative AI architectures, and enterprise AI use cases, with the ability to speak to the latest trends confidently and precisely.

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills; comfort designing studies, running analyses, and working with benchmark or survey data.

• Exceptional writing ability — able to turn research into clear, compelling published content for executive and practitioner audiences.

• Confident, articulate communicator who can hold their own in an analyst inquiry call or briefing and represent Cognizant's point of view live.

• Ability to independently scope, run, and deliver a research project end-to-end with minimal oversight.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior tenure as an analyst or researcher at a firm such as Gartner, IDC, Forrester, Everest Group, or McKinsey, with named or bylined published research.

• Track record of published, citable research and thought leadership (e.g., named reports, bylined articles, or widely referenced industry studies).

• Familiarity with Cognizant's AI services portfolio, including the Cognizant Neuro® AI Platform.

• Experience researching or writing on responsible AI, AI governance, or AI ROI measurement.

• Established relationships with individual analysts, editors, or journalists at major technology and business publications.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, high-performance culture where original research and intellectual curiosity are core to the mission.

• Access to Cognizant's global AI research agenda, proprietary data, and direct collaboration with AI practice leaders.

• Sponsorship for publishing, conference participation, and building an external research profile.

• Competitive compensation, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.

• Continuous learning through Cognizant Academy and external research programs.

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is one of the world's leading professional services companies, engineering modern businesses for the digital era. Our clients imagine, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses through the application of digital technologies, data science, and AI at scale. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. With over 300,000 associates across the globe, Cognizant is regularly recognized among the most admired companies in the world. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer.

Disclaimer

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.