Equity Index Quant Research Specialist

MSCI Inc; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

MSCI Inc. is seeking a seasoned quantitative research professional based in Mumbai to lead new index research projects from concept to production.

You will conduct extensive back testing and analysis of investment strategies using historical data, factor models, and sustainability considerations across multiple asset classes. The role involves collaborating with cross‑functional teams and refining ideas with clients.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of quantitative research, investment management, or portfolio analytics experience.
• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in economics, science/engineering or a highly quantitative field.
• CFA, CAIA or FRM certification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead back testing, research, and analysis of investment strategies using historical data and factor models.
• Develop index ideas across asset classes and sustainability considerations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to launch new index products.
• Write technical and research papers or blogs on investment strategies and present findings to clients.

Skills

Investment process understanding

Analytical & quantitative skills

Institutional investment experience

Technical report writing

Communication & presentation skills

AI / Generative AI awareness

Time series & cross-sectional analysis

Python MATLAB SQL

Education

Bachelor’s/Master’s in economics or quantitative field

CFA/CAIA/FRM (advantage)

Tools

Python

MATLAB

SQL

Job description

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.

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:

• 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