Intern Analyst, PhD – Systematic Strategies Group

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board; Toronto; On-site; CAD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

CPP Investments in Toronto is seeking an Intern Analyst to join the Systematic Strategies Group (SSG). You will contribute to systematic investment research across global markets and multiple asset classes, starting in May 2027, supporting end-to-end research on signals and data-driven investment models.

You will develop forecasting tools using macroeconomic, market and alternative datasets, engineer data workflows, and translate academic research into enhancements to investment models within

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Finance, Economics, CS, Statistics or related quantitative discipline; dissertation-stage candidates preferred.
• Experience working with financial and/or economic data.
• Strong programming skills in Python and SQL.
• Strong empirical modelling, econometric and analytical abilities.
• Interest in applying quantitative research to financial markets and asset pricing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and teamwork.
• Commitment to CPP Investments' guiding principles of Integrity, Partnership and High Performance.

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end research on systematic signals across multiple asset classes, including rates, equities, currencies and commodities.
• Build forecasting and monitoring tools that synthesize macroeconomic, market and alternative datasets.
• Engineer robust data workflows to support systematic investment research.
• Translate relevant academic research into enhancements to investment models.
• Contribute to practical research related to financial markets, portfolio management, portfolio construction and asset pricing.

Skills

Python

SQL

Empirical modelling

Econometrics

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD candidate

Job description

Purpose. Performance. People.

The Role

As an Intern Analyst in the Systematic Strategies Group (SSG), you will contribute to systematic investment research across global markets and multiple asset classes. Starting in May 2027, you will support end-to-end research on systematic signals, develop forecasting and monitoring tools using macroeconomic, market and alternative datasets, engineer robust data workflows, and help translate academic research into enhancements to investment models.

The Team

The Capital Markets and Factor Investing (CMF) department invests globally across public equities, fixed income securities, currencies, commodities and derivatives, and manages relationships with investment managers and co-investments in public market securities. Within CMF, the Systematic Strategies Group develops and manages systematic investment strategies across global equities, fixed income, commodities, currencies and volatility. The team invests in absolute return and long-only strategies designed to provide a diversifying return stream to the total Fund.

Accountabilities

• Support end-to-end research on systematic signals across multiple asset classes, including rates, equities, currencies and commodities
• Build forecasting and monitoring tools that synthesize macroeconomic, market and alternative datasets
• Engineer robust data workflows to support systematic investment research
• Translate relevant academic research into enhancements to investment models
• Contribute to practical research related to financial markets, portfolio management, portfolio construction and asset pricing

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD in Finance, Economics, Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics or a related quantitative discipline; candidates at the dissertation stage are preferred
• Experience working with financial and/or economic data
• Strong programming skills, preferably in Python and SQL
• Strong empirical modelling, econometric, analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and intellectual curiosity
• Interest in applying quantitative research to financial markets, portfolio management, portfolio construction and asset pricing
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a team
• Commitment to CPP Investments' Guiding Principles of Integrity, Partnership and High Performance

Inclusion & Accessibility

CPP Investments is committed to equitable access to employment and building a workforce that reflects diverse talent and perspectives. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Attention: Protect Yourself from Fraud

CPP Investments is committed to a secure and transparent recruitment process. We will never ask candidates for payment or financial information at any stage of hiring. All legitimate opportunities are posted on our careers page, and communications will come from our applicant tracking system, Workday. CPP Investments may use AI tools to help screen and assess applicants by analyzing resumes and applications for relevant skills and experience. These tools support, but do not replace, human decision-making.

About Us

Why Work With Us

For 25 years, we've proudly invested the Canada Pension Plan Fund, helping to secure retirement for more than 22 million Canadians. We invest for the long term - and that includes our people. Here, you'll work alongside high-calibre colleagues on meaningful challenges that have real-world impact. Our purpose drives us, our performance sets us apart, and our people make it possible.

Our Guiding Principles

Our guiding principles shape our culture. They define how we work and represent the values that guide our behaviours. They are Integrity, Partnership and High Performance.

Our Impact

We invest globally across public and private markets, managing capital on behalf of millions of contributors and beneficiaries. We focus on long-term value creation and responsible investing, with offices in major financial centres around the world.

What You Can Expect

• Meaningful work with measurable impact
• Exposure to complex, global challenges
• Opportunities for learning and growth
• Competitive total rewards and benefits
• Comprehensive wellness programs
• Inclusive and respectful of diverse perspectives
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