Equity Index Quant Research Specialist

MSCI Inc.; Mumbai; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Transparent compensation

Flexible work arrangements

Global network of colleagues

Learning@MSCI platform access

Job summary

MSCI Inc. Mumbai-based IDR team seeks a senior quantitative researcher to lead new index research from concept through production.

You will conduct back testing, analyze investment strategies using historical data, factor and thematic ideas, and collaborate with global teams to launch index products. You will bring strong time-series and cross-sectional skills, expertise in Python/MATLAB/SQL, and experience with institutional investment practices.

Qualifications

• Strong quantitative skills with time series and cross-sectional analysis.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, SQL and AI tools is beneficial.
• Experience in institutional investment practices or buy-side/sell-side roles.
• Experience writing technical and research reports.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead index research projects from concept to production implementation.
• Conduct back testing and analysis of investment strategies using historical data.
• Work on factor, thematic and multi-asset class index projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to launch new index products.
• Write research papers and blogs on investment strategies.
• Engage with clients to refine index ideas.

Skills

Investment process understanding

Factor investing

Thematic investing

Quantitative methods

Time series analysis

Cross-sectional analysis

Python

MATLAB

SQL

AI tools / generative AI

Buyside / sell side experience

Technical report writing

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's/Master's Degree in economics, science/engineering or another highly quantitative subject

CFA, CAIA or FRM is an advantage

Tools

Python

MATLAB

SQL

Job description

Your Team Responsibilities

The MSCI Index Development Research (IDR) team is a global client-centric research group with a broad mandate to carry out analytical research to enhance existing MSCI indexes and develop new index methodologies. This responsibility spans across all MSCI Factor, Thematic, Cap-weighted and ESG & Climate Indexes in different asset classes. The team currently has presence in London, New York, Mumbai, Monterrey, Singapore and Toronto

The IDR group uses a range of analytical tools and methods to investigate new index ideas across asset classes, carry out research and simulations to turn these ideas into new methodologies, conduct client consultations, and launch new indexes through MSCI’s world class index production platform.

The group works closely with other groups within research (Analytics, Sustainability) and across the firm (data, technology, product, coverage) to implement the IDR index research agenda and benefit from the substantial resources and expertise available within the global MSCI organization.

Your Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a member of the team based in Mumbai and be expected to lead new index research projects from initial concept through research, development, consultation and successful production implementation. The candidate

• will carry out extensive back testing, research and analysis of investment strategies using historical market data, factor models, Sustainability & Climate characteristics and portfolio construction tools to build new indexes and generate investment insights.
• will work on index research projects that include Factor investing, thematic investing, Multi-asset class strategies, integration of Sustainability & Climate considerations in the investment process and conduct in-depth research and analysis to generate investment ideas for investment strategies.
• will work with cross-functional teams to launch new index products
• will work with other members of the global research teams to write research papers and blogs on investment strategies and
• the candidate will also work closely with clients in multiple segments to refine new index ideas aimed at solving the clients’ investment challenges.

Specific Knowledge /Skills

Your skills and experience that will help you excel

• Understanding of investment process in different asset classes (e.g. equity, digital assets, derivatives etc.), investment styles such as factor investing, thematic investing etc. Expertise in quantitative investment approaches such as portfolio optimization, long/short, leveraged positions etc. is a strong plus.
• Highly developed hands-on analytical and quantitative skills (e.g., time series and cross-sectional analysis) and extensive recent practical experience with statistical and database packages (preferably Python, MATLAB, SQL). Hands-on experience with AI-based tools and using generative AI will be an advantage
• Experience in institutional investment practices, buyside portfolio management concepts or sell side quantitative structured products
• Experience of writing technical and research reports
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills

Desired Experience

5-8 years of relevant work experience e.g., quantitative research, investment management, portfolio analytics etc.)

Desired Qualification

• Bachelor’s/Master's Degree in economics, science/engineering or another highly quantitative subject
• CFA, CAIA or FRM is an advantage

What we offer you

• Transparent compensation schemes and comprehensive employee benefits, tailored to your location, ensuring your financial security, health, and overall wellbeing.
• Flexible working arrangements, advanced technology, and collaborative workspaces.
• A culture of high performance and innovation where we experiment with new ideas and take responsibility for achieving results.
• A global network of talented colleagues, who inspire, support, and share their expertise to innovate and deliver for our clients.
• Global Orientation program to kickstart your journey, followed by access to our Learning@MSCI platform, AI Learning Center , LinkedIn Learning Pro and tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development.
• Multi-directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges, internal mobility and expanded roles.
• We actively nurture an environment that builds a sense of inclusion belonging and connection, including eight Employee Resource Groups. All Abilities, Asian Support Network, Black Leadership Network, Climate Action Network, Hola! MSCI, Pride & Allies, Women in Tech, and Women’s Leadership Forum.

At MSCI we are passionate about what we do, and we are inspired by our vision – to power better decisions. You’ll be part of an industry-leading network of creative, curious, and entrepreneurial pioneers. This is a space where you can challenge yourself, set new standards and perform beyond expectations for yourself, our clients, and our industry.

MSCI strengthens global markets by connecting participants across the financial ecosystem with a common language. Our research-based data, analytics and indexes, supported by advanced technology, set standards for global investors and help our clients understand risks and opportunities so they can make better decisions and unlock innovation. We serve asset managers and owners, private-market sponsors and investors, hedge funds, wealth managers, banks, insurers and corporates.

MSCI Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy (including unlawful discrimination on the basis of a legally protected parental leave), veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. MSCI is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please email [e-mail] and indicate the specifics of the assistance needed. Please note, this e-mail is intended only for individuals who are requesting a reasonable workplace accommodation; it is not intended for other inquiries.

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