Machine Learning Researcher

MSCI Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 144,000 - 187,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Comprehensive employee benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

MSCI Inc. is establishing a Machine Learning Center of Excellence to develop machine learning models that support investment tools for institutional clients. We are looking for early-career researchers with recent PhDs to utilize advanced machine learning techniques in areas such as deep learning and reinforcement learning.

Your role will involve conducting research, designing models, and collaborating across teams. Benefits include a salary range of $144,000 to $187,000, flexible work arrangements, and a culture of innovation.

Qualifications

• PhD required from a top institution.
• Publication record in machine learning or quantitative finance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research using machine learning methodologies integrating financial theory.
• Design models converting AI-extracted signals into investment insights.
• Collaborate with product, technology, and sales teams.

Skills

Expert programming skills

Strong interest in quantitative finance

Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly

Education

PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Operations Research, or related quantitative field

Job description

Overview

MSCI is establishing a Machine Learning Center of Excellence within the Research & Development team to develop machine learning models that power investment tools for institutional clients. We are seeking exceptional early‑career researchers with recent PhDs to join this strategic initiative, applying advanced machine learning techniques including deep learning and reinforcement learning to systematic strategies, portfolio construction, and valuation models.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research using machine learning methodologies that integrate financial theory with deep learning and reinforcement learning.
• Design and develop models that convert AI‑extracted signals from text, documents, and client telemetry into investment insights.
• Deliver research powering new products across MSCI’s product lines.
• Contribute to thought leadership through research innovation and publishing.
• Collaborate with product, technology, and sales teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, Operations Research, or related quantitative field from a top institution.
• Strong interest in quantitative finance.
• Expert programming skills.
• Publication record in machine learning or quantitative finance (preferred).
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to technical and business stakeholders.

Benefits

• Salary range: $144,000 – $187,000 per year plus eligible for annual bonus.
• Transparent compensation scheme and comprehensive employee benefits tailored to your location.
• Flexible working arrangements, advanced technology, and collaborative workspaces.
• A culture of high performance and innovation where we experiment with new ideas and take responsibility for achieving results.
• A global network of talented colleagues who inspire, support, and share their expertise to innovate and deliver for our clients.
• Global Orientation program to kickstart your journey, followed by access to our Learning@MSCI platform, AI Learning Center, LinkedIn Learning Pro and tailored learning opportunities for ongoing skills development.
• Multi‑directional career paths that offer professional growth and development through new challenges, internal mobility and expanded roles.
• We actively nurture an environment that builds a sense of inclusion, belonging and connection, including eight Employee Resource Groups: All Abilities, Asian Support Network, Black Leadership Network, Climate Action Network, Hola! MSCI, Pride & Allies, Women in Tech, and Women’s Leadership Forum.

MSCI strengthens global markets by connecting participants across the financial ecosystem with a common language. Our research‑based data, analytics and indexes, supported by advanced technology, set standards for global investors and help our clients understand risks and opportunities so they can make better decisions and unlock innovation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

MSCI Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the firm to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. MSCI is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please email [e-mail] and indicate the specifics of the assistance needed.