Jennifer Cowan, who joined Mercer’s global alternatives research unit in 2009 as a senior associate, left the investment consulting company in December as the firm fired people globally to reduce costs.

Cowan was part of a team that conducted analysis of unlisted investments in areas such as private equity and credit. She was responsible for due diligence of firms and their strategies.

Dragana Timotijevic, who is the head of Mercer’s alternatives research unit in Australia, didn’t return calls for comment. Mercer declined to comment. Cowan says she is looking for work.