Research Analyst

RAFFLES SHIPPING INTERNATIONAL PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading maritime research firm in Singapore is seeking a professional for market analysis roles involving quantitative research and programming. Responsibilities include conducting quantitative analysis, designing analytical pipelines, and developing insights for trading and chartering. Candidates should have a relevant degree, a strong understanding of freight markets, and proficiency in Python and R programming. It offers an engaging environment for developing commercial insights through data.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of physical and paper freight markets.
• Demonstrated experience in shipping research or freight analytics.
• Strong grounding in statistics and forecasting techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced quantitative research on Forward Freight Agreements.
• Design and maintain analytical pipelines for market data.
• Create interactive dashboards for market insights.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Python programming

R programming

Statistical modeling

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantitative Finance or related fields

Tools

Data analysis tools

Version control tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

Advanced Market Research & Quantitative Analysis

Conduct deep quantitative analysis of global dry bulk, tanker, and container shipping markets, integrating physical freight fundamentals and derivatives (FFA) pricing dynamics.

Assess geopolitical, regulatory, and macroeconomic developments and quantify their impact on freight demand, ton-mile evolution, and forward curves.

1. Model Development & Data Engineering:

• Conduct advanced quantitative research on Forward Freight Agreements (FFAs) across dry bulk and/or tanker markets.
• Design, build, and maintain end-to-end analytical pipelines using Python and R, including data ingestion, cleaning, feature engineering, and validation.
• Develop statistical and econometric models for freight forecasting (e.g. regression models, regime-switching models, Monte Carlo simulations, scenario analysis).
• Build and maintain forward-curve models, basis analysis, and spread structures across tenors.
• Automate recurring analyses and reporting workflows, replacing manual Excel processes with reproducible code-based solutions.
• Create detailed reports, presentations, and dashboards to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.

2. Industry Monitoring:

• Track key industry metrics such as vessel utilization, shipping supply and demand, and pricing trends.
• Monitor competitor activity, trade agreements, and global economic indicators influencing trade flows.

3. Forecasting & Strategic Insights:

• Write production-quality Python code to support market analysis, dashboards, and internal tools.
• Create interactive dashboards to visualize freight curves, volatility, seasonality, and scenario outcomes.
• Integrate multiple data sources into coherent analytical frameworks.
• Apply version control and follow disciplined coding and documentation standards.
• Analyse freight market risk using volatility metrics, stress testing, and scenario analysis.
• Translate complex quantitative outputs into clear commercial insights for trading, chartering, and senior management teams.

4. Collaboration & Communication:

• Continuously monitor shipping indices, broker reports, and market intelligence sources, critically assessing data quality and bias.
• Work closely with commercial, trading, and risk teams to support real-time decision-making.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, such as analysts, consultants, and industry experts, to validate and enhance insights.
• Able to closely monitor market movements and work overnight when required.

5. Risk Assessment:

• Identify potential risks and opportunities in trade and shipping operations, including supply chain disruptions and regulatory impacts.
• Propose mitigation strategies and solutions based on research findings.

Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Quantitative Finance, Applied Mathematics, Applied physic, Data Analytics, Applied Analytics, Maritime Studies.

Shipping & Market Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience in shipping research, freight analytics, commodity markets, or freight derivatives (FFA).
• Strongunderstanding of both physical and paper freight markets, including:
  1. Supply/demand mechanics
  2. Freight rate formation
  3. Forward curves, spreads, and seasonality
• Prior exposure to dry bulk and/or tanker markets is highly preferred.
• Experience with derivatives pricing, volatility modelling, or risk management is an advantage.

Programming & Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in data analysis tools
• Familiarity with version control tools and structured research or development workflows.
• Prior experience in financial services, trading, research, or related commercial industries is an advantage.
• Experience supporting or developing internal tools, reports, or dashboards for business or commercial use.

Analytical & Quantitative Skills

• Strong grounding in statistics, time-series analysis, and forecasting techniques.
• Ability to independently design analytical frameworks and challenge assumptions.
• High attention to detail and data integrity.

Communication

• Ability to clearly explain complex quantitative results to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong written communication skills for producing structured research reports and presentations.