Optimization Research Scientist: Data-Driven Investment

The Vanguard Group; Malvern (Chester County); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

The Vanguard Group in Malvern, PA seeks a senior researcher to partner with senior stakeholders, translate questions into optimization problems, and build models for investment decision making. You will work with incomplete data, design evaluation frameworks, and communicate actionable recommendations.

You will apply quantitative modeling, ML, and simulation, collaborate across data science and engineering, and contribute to scalable solutions in real-world settings.

Qualifications

• Experience in applied research and quantitative modeling for decision support.
• Ability to translate ambiguous questions into rigorous analytical approaches.
• Strong partnership skills with senior business stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior business and investment stakeholders to uncover high-value opportunities.
• Develop and refine hypotheses, translating problems into optimization frameworks.
• Build models and evaluation approaches to support decision-making in real-world settings.
• Handle incomplete or noisy data, document assumptions, and assess limitations.
• Communicate findings, tradeoffs, and recommendations to leaders with clear next steps.

Skills

Quantitative modeling

Optimization

Machine learning

Python

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Tools

SageMaker

Databricks

Optimization libraries

Job description

The Vanguard Group in Malvern, PA seeks a senior researcher to partner with senior stakeholders, translate questions into optimization problems, and build models for investment decision making. You will work with incomplete data, design evaluation frameworks, and communicate actionable recommendations.

You will apply quantitative modeling, ML, and simulation, collaborate across data science and engineering, and contribute to scalable solutions in real-world settings.