Hybrid Innovation Strategy, Market Intelligence Analyst

at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.

• Job title: Innovation Strategy, Market Intelligence Analyst
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Junior, Mid level
• Salary: $90,000 - $94,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Cambridge, United States

About the role

• Analyst supporting innovation strategy and market intelligence for Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition. Conducting research and analysis to drive growth opportunities in food and health sectors.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing monitoring and analysis of market trends, technology developments, scientific advancements, and innovation ecosystems, with a focus on life sciences, agricultural technology (Ag Tech), and advanced materials.
• Identify and synthesize insights from diverse sources, including scientific literature, market research, company activity, intellectual property trends, publications, databases, and expert input.
• Translate early signals and incomplete data into forward-looking, decision-relevant market and technology intelligence.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a systematic, repeatable market intelligence capability, including datasets, analytical frameworks, and standardized reporting formats.
• Produce high-quality intelligence outputs such as insight briefs, landscape analyses, trend reports, and strategic perspectives to support leadership decision-making.
• Translate market and technology intelligence into strategic hypotheses, opportunity maps, and innovation insights.
• Support scenario analysis and early business case development for emerging growth opportunities.
• Assist in refining and updating innovation strategy frameworks as new information emerges.
• Provide analytical input that informs Ajinomoto’s long-term innovation strategy and growth planning.
• Support the Innovation Strategy Department in establishing a standardized approach to innovation strategy development by contributing analysis, templates, tools, and methodologies.
• Prepare materials for strategy workshops, working sessions, and cross-functional discussions, including pre-reads, analytical summaries, and discussion frameworks.
• Capture, synthesize, and translate workshop outputs into actionable insights and follow-on analysis.
• Collaborate closely with the Corporate Venture Capital team to translate market and technology intelligence into investment-relevant perspectives.
• Engage with Research and Development and business teams to support early-stage exploration of innovation opportunities.
• Conduct preliminary assessments of external companies, technologies, partnerships, and ecosystems to inform prioritization and next-step discussions.
• Support engagement with the United States innovation ecosystem by preparing background materials and insights for external meetings, events, and collaborations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in a scientific, engineering, or technical discipline, such as biology, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or Doctorate preferred, particularly where it supports strong scientific literacy and comfort engaging with complex technical topics.
• Two or more years of experience in: A top-tier strategic consulting firm or Corporate strategy, innovation strategy, market intelligence, or analytical roles within a technology-driven or science-based organization.
• Demonstrated experience conducting structured primary and secondary research and competitive or landscape analysis.
• Proven ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into clear, actionable insights for business or senior leadership audiences.
• Experience working in early-stage, emerging, or ambiguous strategic environments strongly preferred.
• Experience working cross-functionally and in global or cross-cultural environments is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401(k) with Company Contributions
• Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
• Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
• Work Flexibility
• Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
• Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
• Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support