Junior Research Associate

Polen Capital; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Polen Capital is seeking a High Yield Junior Research Associate to develop financial skills while assisting senior researchers. The role involves conducting due diligence, maintaining financial models, and presenting investment ideas. This full-time position offers a supportive environment for growth and professional development.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits

Paid parental leave

Annual individual learning budgets

Qualifications

• 0-2 years’ research and valuation experience working in high yield investments.
• Knowledge of accounting, valuation, and the fixed income market.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct due diligence on company and industry trends.
• Analyze, build, and update financial and valuation models.
• Effectively communicate investment ideas to senior personnel.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Firm Overview

Polen Capital, a global investment management firm advising approximately $53 billion in assets as of May 2025, provides high value-added active strategies to a wide range of institutional and individual clients around the world. Since 1989, the Firm has been committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional professionals who are aligned with our goal of preserving and growing our clients’ assets to protect their present and enable their future.

Polen Capital has four autonomous investment teams that currently oversee global equities and credit – the Large Company Growth Team; Small Company Growth Team; Emerging Markets Growth Team; and High Yield Team – with offices in Boca Raton, Boston, London, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. Polen Capital has been recognized by Pensions & Investments as one of the industry's "Best Places to Work" in each of the past nine years.

Our Culture

• Polen Capital is guided by three Core Values geared toward honoring our commitment to our clients and creating a positive culture and a cordial and productive professional environment: “Do the right thing,” “Do more than expected,” and “Respect the individual.”
• Mastery, autonomy, and purpose are key drivers for our people and behaviors.
• Polen Capital embraces a growth mindset, strives for continuous learning, communicates via radical candor, and is a Results-Only Work Environment
• Diversity of thought, unique perspectives and inclusivity are core beliefs at Polen Capital; we view a diverse workforce as essential in fostering a culture of empathy and open-minded collaboration.

Position
The High Yield Junior Research Associate will have the opportunity to gain financial skills as well as learn the intricacies of fundamental research. Working directly with experienced Research Analysts, this individual will be responsible for creating and maintaining financial models, conducting due diligence on potential investment opportunities, and completing ad hoc tasks (e.g., creating client presentations) related to the investment and portfolio management process.

A successful Junior Research Associate will become increasingly responsible for the sourcing, analysis, diligence, and maintenance of investments in an increasingly independent manner.

Responsibilities

• Partner with and support senior research professionals in all aspects of due diligence processes for current and prospective investments
• Conduct due diligence on company and industry trends through reviewing SEC filings, quarterly calls, industry conferences and other industry-specific resources
• Analyze, build, and update financial and valuation models
• Maintain deep knowledge of the industries and companies being followed and make or change recommendations as necessary
• Effectively generate and communicate investment ideas to senior investment personnel
• Write research reports, synthesize data, and share findings (relevant investment themes, events, and breaking news) to senior management
• Search for new investment ideas through internal screens, industry reports, industry conferences and other relevant sources
• Present during team meetings, solicit feedback, and seek continuous improvement of presentation skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 0-2 years’ research and valuation experience working in high yield investments
• Knowledge of accounting, valuation, and the fixed income market
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the ability to explain complex information succinctly and efficiently
• Ability to work well under pressure and handle tight deadlines
• Purpose-Driven: Starts with Why – in service of our communities, our clients, and each other
• Accountable: Operates with autonomy and drives towards results
• Emotionally Intelligent: Demonstrates self-awareness and interpersonal skills
• Grit: Persists in the face of adversity
• Lifelong Learner: Employs a growth mindset and strives to become more

Additional Information

• Full-time Employee
• Location: Waltham, MA
• Less than 5% travel required
• US Permanent Work Authorization required
• Polen Capital is ROWE (Results-Only Work Environment,) offers competitive health benefits, paid parental leave, and annual individual learning budgets

Research shows that women and other underrepresented groups tend to apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria. We are committed to leveling the playing field, and we encourage women, people of color, veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and those returning to the workforce to apply for positions even if they do not necessarily check every box outlined in the job description, including education level.

Polen Capital will reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. To initiate a request for an accommodation, please contact:[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.