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Research Associate / Senior Associate

Des Moines, United States

What You'll Do:

Are you passionate about uncovering insights that drive smarter decisions? Do you thrive on asking the right questions, solving complex problems, and turning data into actionable strategies?

At Principal Financial Group, we’re looking for a motivated, detail-oriented Research Associate or Senior Associate to join our world-class team. In this role, you’ll help shape how Principal shows up in the market by supporting critical research initiatives across marketing, branding, and strategy. You’ll bring curiosity, organization, and collaboration to every stage of the research process — from design to execution to delivery of insights.

What You’ll Do:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align research efforts with business priorities.
Conduct market and customer research to uncover trends, analyze competitors, and identify opportunities.
Design and execute surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather both qualitative and quantitative insights.
Analyze data using statistical techniques and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
Present insights in a compelling, concise way to stakeholders across the organization.
Stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve research methodologies and best practices.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a collaborative team in financial services where your work will influence strategic decisions and help shape the future of financial security. At Principal, we’re purpose-led and mission-driven, committed to making financial security accessible to all — and we've been doing it for more than 140 years.

Who You Are:

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, political science, or another related field.
1+ years of experience in market research (primary and secondary), preferably in a business or marketing context.
Strong data analysis skills — you’re comfortable working with complex datasets and identifying key insights.
Familiarity with statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, SAS), data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Microsoft PowerPoint), and online survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics).
Strong communication and presentation skills — you know how to tell a story with data.
Highly organized with sharp attention to detail and quality.
Demonstrated agility with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and shifting priorities.
A proactive, highly collaborative team player who thrives in a dynamic environment.

Join us and use research to help drive smarter, more impactful business decisions — for our customers, our company, and your career.

Hiring Level

We are open to hiring at both the Associate and Senior Associate level based upon qualifications and experience.

Location

This role is based in Des Moines, IA.

Work Environments

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, blending three in-office days with two remote days in a typical workweek.

Salary Range Information: Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Salary Range: $54000 - $106000 / year Time Off Program: Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided. Pension Eligible: Yes Additional Information:

Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.

Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

Investment Code of Ethics

For Principal Asset Management positions, you’ll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.

Experience Principal

At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we’re imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services – and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our employees. And we support our employees the same way we support our customers: with comprehensive, competitive benefit offerings crafted to protect their physical, financial, and social well-being. Check out our careers site to learn more about our purpose, values and benefits.

Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Posting Window: We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline. Date First Posted (TTF): 9/16/2025 Latest Post Date: Careers - US: 9/16/2025

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