The Investment Strategy Group is seeking a Senior Financial Economist to lead the research and development of a system of quantitative forecasting models that integrate cyclical and structural macro-economic research with capital market return drivers, in support of systematic portfolio strategy and expression of economic and market views over multiple time horizons.
The financial economist will ideate and autonomously lead research that enhances forecasting and economic and market outlook methodologies while serving as a subject matter expert ambassador to supported investment and business groups.
The ideal candidate for this position will bring a strong research background demonstrated over several years and have a graduate degree with specialization in the areas of Quantitative finance, Data Science, or time-series econometrics and programming knowledge of Matlab, Python, or other statistical software packages.
This role:
- Performs complex quantitative and qualitative analysis and offers opinions and recommendations related to quantitative modeling, capital markets, and portfolio construction.
- Prepares high impact research reports, presentations, statistical analyses, and investment commentaries as needed for internal and external stakeholders.
- Initiates research projects that enhance Vanguard's external position as an investment leader in the industry.
- Serves as an investment strategy internal authority. Meets with senior leaders to determine requirements for research requests. Supports ad-hoc research projects, builds research inventory for internal use, and may schedule ongoing research and delivery of content for internal cross-divisional team usage.
- Represent the firm’s macroeconomic and market perspective in client meetings, conferences, and media engagements.
- Provides guidance to investment analysts within the team on research, methodology, or overall context regarding analyses.
- Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Master’s level degree in quantitative finance, data science, time series econometrics, empirical finance, or equivalent combination of training and experience required. Ph.D.-level training is a plus.
- 8+ years related work experience, including conducting research in relevant settings such as buy-side investment firms, sell-side research department, central bank, or think tank.
- Strong technical and programming skills, including statistical, econometric, and machine learning techniques.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex economic and investment ideas to investment professionals and clients.
- Demonstrated ability to apply original research and learnings from literature to real-world settings (i.e., investment decisions)
This role is part of our hybrid work model with Tuesdays – Thursdays required in our London office to foster collaboration and relationships. On Mondays and Fridays, our crew will have the option to work remotely, but there may be occasions where you need to be in the office 5 days a week.
About Vanguard
Vanguard has incredible people and an inspiring mission: To take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success. Vanguard was founded by Jack Bogle in the US in 1975. Jack helped bring investing to ordinary people with the low-cost index fund. We have stood for low-cost, simple investing ever since. Over the last 50 years people have come round to our way of thinking. Now more than 50 million investors worldwide trust us with their money.
About the Team
The Investment Strategy Group (ISG) is a global team that serves as Vanguard's in-house research team, with subject matter experts based in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. The team produces industry-leading research to help shape perspectives, plays a central role in developing Vanguard's investment and advice methodology, and informs decisions about our investment offerings and strategies.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
