Lead Quantitative Analyst

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Stock ownership potential

Life insurance

Comprehensive health benefits

Disability insurance

Sabbatical/Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Morningstar Indexes in Chicago is seeking a seasoned professional to build and launch new indexes, from concept to market, in collaboration with research, product, technology, and commercial teams.

You will apply quant methods, risk analytics, and AI-enabled tooling to develop durable, rules-based index methodologies and client-ready stories. Strong coding and data skills with Python, R, SQL, or MATLAB are essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in indexes, asset management, investment banking, fintech, systematic investing, or related investment technology.
• Strong quant toolkit for investment analysis, factor research, portfolio construction, back-testing, risk analytics, or systematic strategy design.
• Proficient in coding and data using Python, R, SQL, MATLAB, or similar tools to prototype ideas and automate workflows.
• Excitement for AI-first approaches and familiarity with tools like Microsoft Copilot, GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, Gemini, ChatGPT, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Build and launch new benchmark, thematic, factor, strategic beta, and multi-asset indexes from concept to market with cross-functional teams.
• Drive the full product innovation cycle: spot opportunities, test signals, run back-tests, shape methodology, and ensure launch-readiness.
• Use quant techniques, risk analytics, and statistical testing to turn investment ideas into durable, rules-based index methodologies.
• Develop tools, prototypes, dashboards, and client-facing narratives to illustrate complex quant and AI ideas.

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’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life.

• Financial Health 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary
• Stock Ownership Potential
• Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission
• Physical Health Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages
• Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual
• Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance
• Emotional Health Trust-Based Time Off 6-week
• Paid Sabbatical Program
• 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities
• Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Social Health
• Charitable Matching Gifts program
• Dollars for Doers volunteer program
• Paid volunteering days 15+
• Employee Resource & Affinity Groups

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.

001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity Morningstar is a global independent investment research and financial data company. Here, you'll help uncover what’s hidden, simplify what’s complex, and create insights that empower investor success.

Company overview Morningstar Development Program Morningstar is strongly committed to creating and preserving equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. We make all employment decisions—including recruitment, hiring, compensation, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other personnel matters—without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, gender identity and expression, parental status, or other legally protected characteristics or conduct.