Data Acquisition Specialist

ABOUT AARU Aaru operates at the frontier of predictive intelligence, using AI to simulate and predict human behavior at scale. By generating and deploying instances of artificial intelligence that mirror humans, called agents, Aaru simulates entire populations with unprecedented accuracy. Our partners use Aaru to refine strategic positioning, identify and understand high-value audiences, validate concepts and messaging before launch, optimize pricing decisions, and build a continuously richer understanding of their customers through simulation. We provide organizations with invaluable foresight, empowering them to anticipate outcomes and proactively make the right decisions at the right time, every time. We're a small, dedicated, mission-driven team and we intend to stay that way. We believe the best work happens when exceptionally talented people are given ownership, trust and the space to operate without bureaucratic friction. We work with urgency and intellectual honesty and expect new team members to match our velocity. We seek individuals who thrive at the frontier, who push beyond conventional limits, who bring curiosity and conviction in equal measure, and who want their work to have demonstrable impact in the world. If you're energized by the idea of a small team doing things that feel impossible, let’s build together. ABOUT THE ROLE As a Data Acquisitions Specialist, you will help build Aaru’s external data advantage. You will identify and secure high-value third-party datasets that make our simulations more predictive and versatile. This role is focused on sourcing: mapping the frontier of the data landscape, cultivating vendor relationships, evaluating new opportunities, and driving datasets from initial outreach through diligence and deal execution. You will work closely with research, engineering, and leadership to shape the data assets that underpin Aaru’s long-term edge. RESPONSIBILITIES Identify and source external datasets and proprietary sources that could materially improve Aaru’s simulations across a range of domains Conduct outbound outreach to vendors and develop relationships with companies that may not already be actively selling data Partner with internal teams to understand priority data needs and translate them into a targeted acquisition strategy Coordinate sample reviews and help evaluate datasets for quality, coverage, uniqueness, usability, and likely incremental value Compare competing providers within a category and recommend which opportunities are most differentiated and strategically attractive Own vendor communications throughout the acquisition process, including introductory conversations, diligence, pricing discussions, and contract coordination Conduct negotiations around licensing rights, exclusivity, trial structures, pricing, and other key commercial terms Maintain clear records of vendor status, sample outcomes, pricing history, and reasons for pursuing or passing on opportunities YOU MAY BE A FIT IF You have 3+ years of experience in data acquisitions, alternative data research, partnerships, business development, or a similar role focused on external datasets You have a strong understanding of the alternative data ecosystem and good judgment around what makes a dataset valuable, differentiated, and difficult to replicate You are confident conducting external outreach and building relationships with senior counterparts at data vendors and related businesses You have strong commercial instincts and can weigh data quality, strategic importance, and price in making acquisition recommendations You are highly organized and able to manage multiple vendor conversations, evaluations, and negotiations at once without sacrificing rigor STRONG CANDIDATES MAY ALSO Have experience working with alternative data from an investing, research, marketplace, or vendor perspective Have negotiated data licensing agreements or other commercial arrangements for third-party datasets Have evaluated data for issues such as representativeness, methodology risk, overlap with existing sources, and likely value-add Have worked closely with research or engineering teams to determine whether a dataset is worth testing, integrating, or purchasing Have familiarity with privacy, compliance, and usage-rights considerations relevant to third-party data acquisition Have a quantitative background and are comfortable performing exploratory data analysis LOCATION This role is based in New York City. Aaru is an in-person company, working 5 days a week in office. Candidates are expected to be located within the New York City metropolitan area or open to relocation.. BENEFITS At Aaru, we take care of our people. In addition to a competitive base salary and equity participation, we offer comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, visa sponsorship and relocation support, and various other benefits and perks.