Researcher – multi-commodity  

Stellenbosch, South Africa and/or Xi’an, China 

At Project Blue, we provide market intelligence on critical materials for energy transition. Our focus is on understanding the complexities of rapidly evolving supply chains and translating this knowledge into accurate data, unbiased analysis, and expert insight, to support industry and government decision makers. 

We are seeking a talented researcher to join our growing team to support our product-building capabilities. 

Based in Stellenbosch and/or Xi’an, you’ll be working directly with our senior leadership and global team, spread across six continents, and serving a range of clients including governments, financial institutions, tech firms, and automotive OEMs.

The Researcher will support Project Blue market subscriptions, consulting, and events with a focus on the dynamic markets of battery metals, rare earth elements, bulk ferroalloys and minor metals. The role involves monitoring market trends, regularly engaging with market participants across the supply chain, supporting report writing, and data work.

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: Competitive

Reports To: Senior Leadership

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Relationship building, people skills and confident telephone manner.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Proficient in Microsoft Excel and ability to product analytical editorial copy.

Ability to communicate complex ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

High level of accuracy and attention to detail, especially in data analysis and reporting.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a dynamic environment.

Strong organisational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.

Proven ability to identify issues, propose solutions, and implement changes as needed.

Good interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships.

Experience in commodity markets a plus.

Job responsibilities:

Develop and maintain specialist expertiseacross the relevant commodity supply chains, including downstream sectors to support Project Blue’s research.

Keep up-to-date with industry developments relevant to your commodity markets, and downstream sectors.

General curiosity in expanding market knowledge and find information

Develop and maintain a strong network within your markets. Help manage and expand the number of industry contacts submitting data.This includes expanding the number of industry contacts that provide data, using all means of communication including face-to-face meetings, conference attendance and networking.

Create regular content and write up research with supervision from your product manager including commentaries, breaking news and insightful copy.

Ensure you have your finger on the pulse for any breaking news, work with marketing, research and consulting teams in ensuring we are responsive to any industry happenings

Contribute in a supporting role to research projects and consulting work across the company.

Travel to meetings and events when necessary on behalf of the company

Contact:

If you're interested in this role at Project Blue, please send a CV, cover letter and salary expectations to scott.yarham@projectblue.com

If you're excited about the role but your experience, skills or qualifications don't perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Top