Lead Quantitative Analyst

Morningstar; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 114,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Financial Health

Physical Health

Emotional Health

Social Health

Job summary

Morningstar Indexes in Chicago is building the next generation of index products at the intersection of markets, quant research, data science, and AI. This is a hands-on builder role for someone who wants to move fast, experiment with new tools, turn bold ideas into scalable index solutions, and help redefine how investment products are researched, tested, and launched.

The role is based in our Chicago office and requires at least four days a week in office.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in indexes, asset management, investment banking, fintech, systematic investing, quantitative research, or a related investment technology environment.
• Strong quant toolkit with hands-on experience in investment analysis, factor research, portfolio construction, back-testing, risk analytics, or systematic strategy design.
• Proficient in writing code and working with data using Python, R, SQL, MATLAB, or similar tools to prototype ideas, analyze large datasets, and automate repeatable workflows.
• Excited by AI-first ways of working, with experience using tools such as Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Gemini, ChatGPT, or similar platforms; exposure to AI agents, RAG, or workflow orchestration is a plus.
• Clear communicator who can translate complex quant, AI, and investment concepts into methodology documents, research notes, presentations, and compelling client-facing narratives.
• Experience developing and using optimized portfolio construction and risk modelling tools, factor investment strategies, private equity data, and index derivatives strategies is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Build and launch new benchmark, thematic, factor, strategic beta, and multi-asset indexes from concept to market in partnership with research, product, technology, operations, and commercial teams.
• Drive the full product innovation cycle - spot opportunities, explore data, test signals, run back-tests, shape methodology, solve implementation challenges, and get products launch-ready.
• Use quant techniques, machine learning, portfolio construction, risk analytics, and statistical testing to turn investment ideas into durable, rules-based index methodologies.
• Push the use of AI, coding assistants, and agentic workflows to automate research, speed up analysis, test methodology logic, and make product development smarter and faster.
• Bring builder energy to the team by creating tools, prototypes, dashboards, research insights, and client-ready stories that make complex quant and AI ideas easy to understand and exciting to use.

Skills

Quant research

Python

SQL

R

MATLAB

Data analysis

Machine learning

Tools

Python

SQL

R

MATLAB

GitHub Copilot

Job description

The Area

Morningstar Indexes is building the next generation of index products at the intersection of markets, quant research, data science, and AI. This is a hands-on builder role for someone who wants to move fast, experiment with new tools, turn bold ideas into scalable index solutions, and help redefine how investment products are researched, tested, and launched. The role is based in our Chicago office and requires at least four days a week in office.

The Responsibilities:

• Build and launch new benchmark, thematic, factor, strategic beta, and multi-asset indexes from concept to market in partnership with research, product, technology, operations, and commercial teams.
• Drive the full product innovation cycle - spot opportunities, explore data, test signals, run back-tests, shape methodology, solve implementation challenges, and get products launch-ready.
• Use quant techniques, machine learning, portfolio construction, risk analytics, and statistical testing to turn investment ideas into durable, rules-based index methodologies.
• Push the use of AI, coding assistants, and agentic workflows to automate research, speed up analysis, test methodology logic, and make product development smarter and faster.
• Bring builder energy to the team by creating tools, prototypes, dashboards, research insights, and client-ready stories that make complex quant and AI ideas easy to understand and exciting to use.

The Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in indexes, asset management, investment banking, fintech, systematic investing, quantitative research, or a related investment technology environment.
• Strong quant toolkit, including hands-on experience with investment analysis, factor research, portfolio construction, back-testing, risk analytics, or systematic strategy design.
• Proficient in writing code and working with data using Python, R, SQL, MATLAB, or similar tools to prototype ideas, analyze large datasets, and automate repeatable workflows.
• Excited by AI-first ways of working, with experience using tools such as Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Gemini, ChatGPT, or similar platforms; exposure to AI agents, RAG, or workflow orchestration is a plus.
• Clear communicator who can translate complex quant, AI, and investment concepts into methodology documents, research notes, presentations, and compelling client-facing narratives.
• Experience developing and using optimized portfolio construction and risk modelling tools, factor investment strategies, private equity data, and index derivatives strategies is a strong plus.

Why this role is exciting:

You will join a global indexes team with the freedom to build, experiment, and scale new ideas—using AI, quant research, and modern development tools to create products that can reach investors around the world.

Compensation and Benefits

At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That is why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide:

• Financial Health
• Physical Health
• Emotional Health
• Social Health

Total Cash Compensation Range

$114,100.00-167,350.00

Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive

Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.