Research Director

IDC is seeking a 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 demonstrate deep existing knowledge of both the current and future capabilities across all types of agentic AI tools and platforms, including those that can build, manage, orchestrate, and govern AI agents for enterprise use. The role involves collaboration with other analysts covering adjacent technologies, including other forms of AI and automation.

Responsibilities

• 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 analyzing trends in these segments, including competitive strategy, financial performance of technology providers, and end-user demand.
• Provide industry expertise for client-facing engagements and inquiries.
• Partner with sales to drive incremental revenue through subscription and custom solutions for the AD&A group.
• Utilize knowledge of digital transformation drivers and enterprise IT challenges in software development, business automation, integration, and AI (predictive, interpretive, and generative).
• Respond to client requests for market and competitive data across agentic AI tool and platform technology markets.
• Collaborate with other analysts, particularly in AI research, to create research documents and forecasts.
• Present to senior management, including C-level executives, and interact with IT and technology vendor decision-makers.

Requirements

• 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, with the ability to analyze trends and provide actionable guidance to technology providers and buyers.
• Up-to-date knowledge of innovations in large language models and the broader AI industry.
• Knowledge of AI deployment models and their advantages and disadvantages.
• 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 impacting companies’ competitiveness.
• Ability to travel 25-30% for client meetings, industry events, and customer projects.

Why This Role Stands Out

At IDC, your work helps shape how the world understands technology and its future. You’ll collaborate with 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 evidence-based insights to make confident decisions. Recognized by IIAR as Analyst Firm of the Year for five consecutive years, IDC sets the standard for credibility and impact. With over 1,000 analysts worldwide, we combine deep expertise with practical relevance, ensuring your contributions drive meaningful change.

Benefits

• 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

Pay

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

Schedule

This role offers flexibility to work remotely from an approved U.S. location or onsite at our corporate office in Boston, MA.