Analyst, Portfolio Construction & Trading

Acadian Asset Management; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Acadian Asset Management, a global, data-driven investment manager based in Boston, is seeking an entry-level Analyst to work across Portfolio Construction and Trading. You will apply Python, AI tools, and automation to quantitative investment workflows and support portfolio implementation in global equity markets.

The role emphasizes data, code, and collaboration across teams; hybrid work requires on-site presence in Boston at least 3 days a week, with opportunities to contribute to system

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field.
• Strong technical aptitude with Python, data analysis, scripting, or workflow automation.
• Interest in AI, machine learning, or generative AI and coding assistants.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day implementation and management of quantitative investment strategies, including portfolio construction, review, rebalancing, and trade execution.
• Assist with cash flow management and monitoring of client portfolios and guideline adherence.
• Use Python and AI-enabled tools to analyze data, automate workflows, and improve reporting.

Skills

Python

Data analysis

Workflow automation

Scripting

AI tools

Quantitative investing interest

Education

Bachelors degree in STEM

Job description

Acadian Asset Management is a global, systematic investment manager at the forefront of data-driven investing since 1986. Headquartered in Boston, with locations in Singapore, London, and Sydney, we manage over $232 billion on behalf of leading institutions worldwide—including pension funds, endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth funds. We harness advanced technology, rich datasets, and multidisciplinary expertise to help clients navigate complex markets and uncover insights that may be overlooked by traditional approaches.

What sets Acadian apart is our people. We foster a collaborative, intellectually curious environment where ideas are tested, diverse perspectives are welcomed, and innovation thrives. We’re united by a shared purpose: delivering effective client outcomes and supporting one another in work that’s both challenging and rewarding. We offer a flexible hybrid work environment, strong benefits, and a casual but focused office culture—all designed to support the meaningful, collaborative work that defines Acadian.

Position Overview

The Analyst will work across both Portfolio Construction and Trading functions, gaining hands-on exposure to portfolio implementation, trading, quantitative analysis, and the systems and processes used to manage client portfolios. This is an entry-level opportunity for a recent graduate from a STEM program who is highly quantitative, technically capable, and interested in applying Python, AI tools, automation, and data analysis to real-world investment management problems. The role provides extensive involvement in quantitative investment workflows and global equity markets. It also helps improve the tools, systems, and processes that support portfolio construction and trade execution. The ideal candidate will be intellectually curious, detail-oriented, comfortable working with data and code, and excited to contribute across a broad range of analytical, trading, and portfolio implementation initiatives.

Acadian supports a hybrid work environment; employees are on-site in the Boston office a minimum of 3 days a week.

What You’ll Do

• Support the day-to-day implementation and management of quantitative investment strategies, including portfolio construction, portfolio review, rebalancing, order creation, trade review, and execution.
• Assist with cash flow management and the monitoring of client portfolios, investment exposures, and guideline adherence.
• Use Python, AI-enabled tools, and other technologies to analyze data, automate recurring workflows, improve reporting, and reduce manual processes.
• Conduct quantitative analysis related to portfolio optimization, transaction costs, execution quality, market conditions, broker performance, risk exposures, and portfolio characteristics.
• Produce and enhance transaction cost analysis and other reporting used to evaluate trading outcomes and support decision-making.
• Investigate data issues, process exceptions, and workflow inefficiencies, and help develop practical, scalable solutions.

We’re Looking For Teammates With

• Bachelors degree in a STEM related field.
• Strong technical aptitude, including experience with Python, data analysis, scripting, or workflow automation.
• Demonstrated interest in AI, machine learning, generative AI, coding assistants, or other emerging technologies.
• Interest in financial markets, quantitative investing, portfolio construction, trading, market microstructure, and investment technology.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time-sensitive tasks and meet daily deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and a willingness to learn from experienced trading and investment professionals.
• A collaborative mindset and an interest in working across investment, technology, and business teams.

The base salary range for this role is $80,000 – $95,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a candidate’s skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. In addition to base pay, this position may be eligible for discretionary incentive compensation and includes participation in Acadian’s comprehensive benefits program, which includes health, retirement, and wellness offerings.

Acadian Asset Management LLC is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants. No employee or applicant shall be discriminated against on the basis of gender, race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, marital status, pregnancy or parenthood, veteran status, citizenship status, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.